Bird sitting on a tree holding an insect in its mouth

Everything Is Connected: The Benefits of Native Bird, Insect, and Tree Species

Native species are essential to healthy ecosystems. These species have had years of evolution to adapt to weather, seasons, and other living things around them. Native birds and insects in particular keep our environments in balance. Take a look at the importance of native birds and insects in our natural environments and how we can introduce students to these concepts in tangible ways.

hummingbird in a tree

Hands-On Pollinator Activities for Preschoolers

Young learners often focus on bees when learning about pollinators, but it’s important to introduce them to the diverse range of pollinators supporting our ecosystems. From birds to bats, butterflies to moths, there’s much to learn. Engaging activities like scavenger hunts, bee baths, and pollinator-themed crafts help them understand the vital role of these creatures and the importance of conserving their habitats. Explore how you can enhance activities and learnings with PLT!

pile of sticks in a forest

17 Creative STEM Activities Using Sticks for the Classroom 

Sticks are a versatile and cost-free resource that offers endless possibilities for engaging in STEM activities. Enlist the help of your students to gather sticks, then explore a variety of fun, hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity!

Tomatoes on a tomato plant

A Guide to Edible Plant Parts

We eat different plant parts every day, from fruits and vegetables to hearty grains to sunflower seeds as snacks. Plants are amazing teaching tools, so let’s explore all the edible parts of plants!

Berry Song

Michaela Goade celebrates the gifts of the forest with wisdom, gratitude, and kinship with the land in PLT’s latest recommended read, Berry Song.

Celebrating National Park Week

April 17 – 25, 2021 is National Park Week! Celebrate this annual week-long celebration by teaching your students about public lands and the many contributions of Black Americans to the National Parks System, and encouraging the exploration of these culturally and historically significant areas.

earth day in green letters over a photo of a seed sprouting

Earth Day 2023

Earth Day is April 22, 2022 and the theme is Invest In Our Planet—because a green future is a prosperous future. To celebrate, we’ve compiled stories and resources to help educators and youth learn about sustainability issues, climate science, and actions they can take this #EarthDay2022 and every day.

Early Childhood Education for Earth Day (and Beyond!)

PLT recently collaborated with our friends at Natural Start Alliance to host a free educator webinar full of ideas for creating fun, authentic outdoor learning experiences for ages 1-6. Check out the tips and ideas shared, as well as a free activity download from PLT’s Trees & Me: Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children.