Aside from the content on our site, (be sure to download our puzzle activities from our “Brainy Series” to get kids thinking about trees) there is a wealth of information about our amazing environment found on the Internet if you know where to look! On this page, we will attempt to post links to other sites we have discovered (or been introduced to) over time that we think you’ll like to explore and use to supplement your students’ learning experiences! Note: Although Arbor Rangers™ is based out of Indiana, the links featured on this page may be for websites, locations, and organizations outside of the State of Indiana.
This page is designed to give educators links to online resources that feature information and activities related to tree education. Our focus is on non-profit organizations that have significant online learning content about trees that is easy to navigate through and not too cluttered or distracting with outside advertising or non-related content or links. At this time we do not accept solicitations from commercial sites (like sites that sell tree maintenance equipment, tree care products, tree work services, etc.) and we do not feature any for-commission links, nor participate in any for-profit link referral sharing. We also try to avoid listing sites (non-profit or for-profit) that clearly are not aimed toward our objective of providing learning and exploration content regarding trees, in general, but particularly with student-friendly urban forestry themes.
If you represent and/or have connections to resources of this nature that are not already listed on our website we’d love for you to share that with us for consideration for inclusion to our resources page! If you represent one of the sites already featured and would like us to edit or remove our link and summary, please let us know that too.
Internet Sites Featuring TREE-RELATED Information & Activities
(Listed alphabetically)
Arbor Day Foundation Ready to integrate some tree-related activities into your classroom this Arbor Day? Try out some of the suggestions found on this site.
AvasFlowers – “Environmental Education Virtual Field Trips for Nature Lovers” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believes it’s vital for every child to learn about the environment. The government agency says that quality environmental education allows students to understand issues facing the environment, participate in finding solutions to these issues, and begin to take action to do their part to make the environment better. Environmental education also requires students to research issues and form their own opinion based on their research. It should help students hone their critical thinking skills and also become more involved in the world around them. Luckily, there are many resources available to aid educators in providing high-quality environmental education.
A VERY SPECIAL SHOUTOUT to Cassie Price and Stephanie Martin of Friends of Bay Minette (Alabama) for sharing the above resource link with us to add to our Teachers and Parents Resources page! Thank you!
Education World “Happy Arbor Day: Tree Lessons” Many states — 34 in all — celebrate Arbor Day in April. Between Arbor Day and Earth Day, this month is a great time to branch out and include timely tree lessons in your curriculum. Why not go out on a limb! Included: Lessons on measuring trees, reading a color key map, creating tree silhouettes, and a “good behavior tree,” more.
Illinois DNR “Kids for Trees” Production of the original Kids for Trees conservation education kit represented a cooperative effort on behalf of a variety of public and private organizations. The financial contributions and technical support provided by the following organizations and individuals have made it possible for Illinois school children to have the opportunity to learn from Kids for Trees.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful – Nature eLearning WHY KIDS NEED NATURE: In a world of ever-advancing technology, demanding schedules, and more school time spent indoors, many children today find themselves disconnected from the natural world. The truth is that spending time outdoors in nature has been proven to be beneficial for children in almost all parts of their life. Not only does it help prevent obesity, reduce stress and build self-esteem, it can also help increase focus inside of the classroom, as well as improve cognitive functions, social skills, leadership, and collaboration. Check out the activities on this site and experience the health and well-being benefits of connecting children to nature!
The Morton Arboretum Can trees be used to teach science, math, reading, and writing principles? The answer: Yes! Gain the knowledge and skills needed to include nature education in your classroom and meet other learning objectives at the same time. Enroll in courses that count toward CPDUs, or browse the teacher resources to receive practical tools to incorporate nature into your daily lesson plans.
National Wildlife Federation “Trees for Wildlife” Program Trees for Wildlife provides adult leaders with fun, hands-on, science-based activities to help young people learn about the importance of trees and how to plant and take care of trees.
Native Trees of Indiana Discover the diverse native trees of Indiana using this sortable-searchable tree list. Also features some invasive species to avoid planting.
The Nature Conservancy – Nature Lab “Virtual Field Trips” Explore the world with virtual field trips! Designed for ages 9-15 but customizable for all ages, virtual field trips allow students to travel the world and explore natural environments without leaving the classroom. Each virtual field trip contains a video, teacher guide and student activities.
Project Learning Tree Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning internationally recognized environmental education program that provides ready-made lessons and activities for educators. PLT can integrate easily into an existing curriculum and can be used to supplement all subject areas. PLT uses the forest as a “window to the world,” helping young people gain an awareness and knowledge of the world around them and their place within it. Students develop skills in creative problem solving, critical thinking, and evaluation, and research while having fun.
Purdue University – Youth Development & Agricultural Education “Forestry (Indiana 4-H)” The forestry project will help you to learn how to identify trees, uses of trees, the benefits of trees, and the importance of our woodlands. A knowledge of trees and woodland management leads to greater enjoyment of the outdoors. An understanding of tree characteristics will allow future landowners to choose the best varieties for urban or rural benefits that include cooling, wildlife habitat, and reducing erosion and other types of pollution.
RETREET An important part of our mission is to educate the next generation of environmental stewards. We speak to kids of all ages about the importance of trees within their community and ask them to draw a tree for us. See one you like? Click it! Turn an imaginary tree into a real one that will be planted in the disaster area of your choosing.
The Teacher’s Guide “Trees/Arbor Day” The Teacher’s Guide website features Arbor Day lesson plans, printouts, whiteboard resources, and crafts.
Trees Are Good “Educational Activities” TreesAreGood.org provides the public with educational information about the benefits of trees and how to properly care for trees in the urban environment. The site contains resources from the International Society of Arboriculture, and also provides a collection of reliable tree care information provided by other industry organizations.
Trees Indiana At Trees Indiana, we are passionate about young people from all walks of life being able to experience that magical “sense of wonder” moment, sparking a special connection to nature. Reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from a constant virtual indoor reality is taking hold around the country.
Unique Teaching Resources “The Giving Tree” Lesson Plans This page contains The Giving Tree lesson plans, teaching resources, and fun student projects.
We Are Teachers – “40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips” Virtual field trips are a game-changer. Not only do they fill in for real field trips when budgets and other roadblocks prevent in-person options, but virtual field trips also open doors to educational experiences all over the country and the world, both past and present. No fundraising or permission slips required!
Wesselman Nature Society “Programs for Kids & Families” The Environmental Education Department at Wesselman Woods is equipped with highly-experienced environmental leaders who educate with the ambitious intention to ignite positive environmental, ecological and social change within the community and region. Their programs for children range from pop-up programs happening once a day to monthly programs focusing on environmental science for all-ages. They also host programs for parents and children to explore in the Nature Playscape together.
Do you know of a great website that’s not listed here which features wonderful learning tools and activities about trees? Email us about it so we can review it and potentially add it to our list!*
*Note: We strive to present current and accurate information on our website. We frequently will provide links to external websites for additional information on specific subject matters to aid in education and understanding. These links may be owned and operated by third-party entities who are not associated with Arbor Rangers, LLC and are solely responsible for their online content. As a general policy, we do not often share links to commercial websites, nor services, and so our sharing links should not be construed as endorsements of any particular site, service, or product over another. Content on linked sites is outside of our control and clicking on any of these links is left up to teacher and parental discretion.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS – Have you considered further studies in Urban Forestry? Arboriculture? Social-Ecological Systems? etc. Then you may wish to consider the following:
- Urban Forestry Minor (Purdue University) See video.
- Bloomington Urban Forestry Research Group (Indiana University)
- Department of Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources Academic Programs (Ball State University)
SCHOLARSHIP Opportunities:
TREE Fund Scholarships TREE Fund offers scholarships for undergraduate students who aspire to careers in arboriculture, urban forestry, and related fields.
Locations in INDIANA to view and study trees: (Some nature sites feature onsite Learning Centers, Nature Trails, Tours and Educational Programs, etc.).
- Friesner Herbarium (Butler University, Indianapolis, IN) – Brochures of the “Trees of the Butler Campus Arboretum” describes 30 tree species of interest on campus and provides a map for a tour. Brochures may be obtained by calling the Herbarium at 940-9413 or 940-8302 or e-mail a request to mmoore@butler.edu. You may also download the Guide for the Tree Walk. The Herbarium is open to the public by appointment. Call (317) 940-8302, or e-mail Interim Herbarium Director, Marcia Moore, at mmoore@butler.edu to arrange a visit. The staff can assist with identification of plants you bring in and can also help you to locate sites where plants you wish to find may grow.
- Garfield Park Conservatory (Indianapolis, IN) Garfield Park Conservatory is located within the 136-acre Garfield Park, on Indianapolis’ near south side. The facility is open to the public and offers workshops, gardening demonstrations, youth education, and guest lecturers on horticulture and landscaping. The conservatory features special exhibits throughout the year, including holiday poinsettias, orchids, and the spring bulb show!
- Hayes Arboretum (Richmond, IN) Enjoy winter activities at Hayes Arboretum that transition into our busy Spring season that is just several weeks away. The Hayes Experience – “Something for Everyone.”
- Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields) (Indianapolis, IN) With benches and walking trails throughout, the IMA invites visitors to explore this quiet oasis just 10 minutes from downtown Indianapolis.
- Purdue Arboretum (Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN) – The Purdue Arboretum invites the entire Purdue community — students, faculty, staff, and locals from the Lafayette-West Lafayette area and beyond, to join the arboretum as we host professionals, specialists, and more to give talks on various plant and topics. Since the Purdue Arboretum is part of the university campus it is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free to all visitors. (Office is available by appointment.)
- Gabis Arboretum (Valparaiso, IN) (formerly, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens) The Purdue University Northwest Gabis Arboretum serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation and engagement with the natural environment.
- Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve (Evansville, IN) Wesselman Woods provides environmental education and outdoor recreation experiences designed to awaken the senses and enrich the lives of area residents and visitors. The mission of Wesselman Nature Society is to preserve and protect Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands for future generations through conservation, education, research, and to provide equal access to nature.
MORE TO DISCOVER IN INDIANA:
Have you been to a scenic garden, park, or forest to view trees that are not listed here? Email us about your visit and its location and we may feature it here!
WHY TREES? [Video link] Follow along as this lecture doodle (produced by the Alabama Co-op Extension) examines some of the basic reasons why trees are important not just for their beauty but also for their contributions to our health, our community of citizens, and our economic stability. Tree cover in our towns and cities contributes much. But because the benefits of trees are passive and accumulate slowly, they are unacknowledged until they are missing.
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