Project Learning Tree: Celebrating 50 Years

 

In 2026, Project Learning Tree (PLT), a flagship program of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), celebrates a remarkable milestone: 50 years of award-winning environmental education that has transformed how young people understand and care for the natural world. Through hands-on activities brought to life by educators nationwide, PLT has cultivated generations of environmental problem-solvers and stewards.

What next? Fifty Years Forward!

PLT is looking to the future to ensure a healthier, more sustainable future powered by education. 50 Years Forward positions PLT to reach new communities, cultivate education champions, and deliver environmental education at scale, resulting in transformative change that benefits people and planet.

 

50 YEARS FORWARD: THREE PILLARS OF IMPACT

	1. GROW OUR IMPACT TRAIN 50,000 EDUCATORS REACH 4.5 MILLION STUDENTS		2. CULTIVATE EARLY CAREER CHAMPIONS PARTNER WITH 25 NEW UNIVERSITIES PREPARE 10,000 FUTURE EDUCATORS		3. ENHANCE PLT DELIVERY NEW DELIVERY MODELS MAKE PLT EASIER FOR EDUCATORS TO USE
	PLT will expand and strengthen its nationwide network of environmental education partners reaching students in communities across the country. Investments will increase educator training, build place-based partnerships, and spark student interest in sustainability and forest sector careers.		PLT will expand training programs at universities and other teacher preparation institutions, equipping emerging educators with tools that strengthen STEM learning, improve academic performance, and improve social, emotional, and physical student outcomes.		PLT will pilot innovative instructional models and emerging technologies to make it easier for educators to tap into PLT easily and often. Working with education experts, these approaches will expand access to PLT resources and increase engagement in both classroom and nonformal learning environments.

 

50 YEARS FORWARD: INVEST IN FOREST LITERACY ACROSS THE NATION

Your investment in PLT enables transformative change in communities across the country. By strategically investing in new communities; building PLT champions nationwide, and developing innovative delivery methods, we can cultivate the next generation of environmentally literate citizens and green workforce leaders– creating more sustainable, resilient communities for the next 50 years and beyond.

 

INVESTING IN A HEALTHIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

50 YEARS FORWARD positions PLT to reach new communities, cultivate education champions, and deliver environmental education at scale, resulting in transformative change that benefits people and planet.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO INVEST IN PROJECT LEARNING TREE’S FUTURE. CONTACT US!

PLT is extremely grateful to have the support from the following donors: 

• Robert Julius
• Paper & Packaging Board

 

Download our 50th fundraising campaign brochure.

 

Melissa Taggart Sr. Director, Development and Strategy melissa.taggart@forests.org

Rocco Saracina Director, Strategic Partnerships rocco.saracina@forests.org

 

DONATE NOW

 

50 YEARS OF PLT

Explore 50 years of PLT with voices from across the community that has supported PLT’s award-winning environmental education that has transformed how young people understand and care for the natural world.