April 16, 2026
Happy Birthday Project Learning Tree!
This year marks 50 years, yes, the big 5-0, of PLT providing nature-based activities, professional development for educators, and promoting green career pathways for young people.
Rudy Shafer, one of the original creators of PLT, dedicated his life to teaching young people “how to think, not what to think.”
Although a lot has changed since then, this has been paramount to PLT over the years.
By offering multidiscipline hands-on learning experiences students develop critical thinking skills and fully grasp concepts better because they are empowered to ask questions, experiment, and problem solve.
Help Us Celebrate 50 Years of PLT!
We want to hear how Project Learning Tree has impacted your life and your learners!
Since 1976, we’ve reached more than 100 million students thanks to educators like you. If you’re a PLT fan, tag us on Facebook and Instagram (@projectlearningtree) and share your favorite PLT memories or activities over the years! Use the hashtag #50PLT.
Celebration through Collaboration
Last month, PLT State Coordinators, facilitators, and partners came together at the Arbor Day Foundation’s Lied Lodge. From sharing best practices on how to deliver high-quality, engaging educator professional development to finding new ways to introduce young people to green career pathways, the week was filled with lots of learning and time spent in nature.
Here are our top three moments.
Celebrating our champions: During the conference, we also honored four outstanding individuals dedicated to advancing Project Learning Tree’s mission at the local level, state and national levels.
Leadership in Education Awardee: Heather Bevis, Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Heather Bevis advances PLT’s mission through her leadership in early childhood environmental education. A trained PLT facilitator, she focuses on expanding access to nature-based learning for young children and families across Florida.
She created Tots on Trails at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a monthly program for children ages 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers. The program has been replicated by other refuges and organizations nationwide. Heather also delivers PLT programming in preschools across Wakulla and Leon counties, including Title I schools, and has ensured that all VPK students in Wakulla County public schools receive environmental learning experiences.
In addition to direct programming, she supports Florida PLT workshops, mentors facilitators, and collaborates with partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. Between July 2024 and September 2025, her programs engaged hundreds of families and approximately 1,000 preschool-aged children.
Leadership in Education Awardee: Hank LaBore, Retired Classroom Educator, North Dakota
Hank LaBore has been a certified PLT facilitator since 2001, integrating environmental education into classrooms and community programs across North Dakota for more than two decades.
During his teaching career at Theodore Jamerson Elementary School on the United Tribes Technical College campus, he incorporated Indigenous knowledge and place-based learning into environmental education programming. He coordinated tree planting ceremonies, conservation education days, and other community events.
Since retiring in 2016, Hank has continued visiting rural and tribal classrooms across western North Dakota, providing hands-on PLT programming to schools with limited access to environmental education resources. Between July 2024 and September 2025, he visited more than 75 classrooms and reached over 1,000 students.
He also supports North Dakota PLT by mentoring facilitators, co-developing training agendas, and contributing to facilitator trainings. His work strengthens access to place-based environmental education statewide.
Gold Star Awardee: Ashley Smith, PLT Alabama State Coordinator
Known for her warmth and thoughtfulness, Ashley Smith embodies so many of the same qualities past Gold Star awardees have. She is incredibly committed and dedicated to PLT in Alabama, making sure that every workshop and event is high-quality, engaging, and well-organized. In fact, after every event, Ashley follows up with handwritten thank-you notes to attendees, a simple but meaningful gesture that leaves a lasting impression.
Ashley has done an amazing job representing both the forest sector and education side of PLT, collaborating with partners like Weyerhaeuser and the Drax Foundation to reach nearly 300 educators and impact the lives of 27,000 students over the last two years alone! She is known for lifting everyone around her up.
Ashley has been leading the PLT program in Alabama since 2016 and we’re so grateful to have her as part of our network!
Gold Star Awardee: Nicole Filizetti, PLT Wisconsin State Coordinator
For the past 13 years, Nicole Filizetti has been the PLT State Coordinator in Wisconsin. From helping to develop a preservice engagement toolkit to advocating for PLT’s secondary materials, Nicole is an amazing champion of all things PLT. Her kindness and understanding don’t go unnoticed, and she always sees the good in people.
According to her colleagues, Nicole “is an expert in helping teachers differentiate lessons to reach a wide array of student learning styles. Seamlessly weaving in mental, physical, and environmental wellness activities into her presentations, workshops, and classes is something that Nicole models on a regular basis for educators.”
Nicole is passionate about environmental education and her work in DEI, and encourages everyone to put their best selves out there. We’re thankful for all that Nicole has contributed over the years, driving PLT forward into the future!
Growing for the Next 50 Years
What started as a group of educators, conservationists, industry and government agencies in 13 states evolved into a multi-national phenomenon, inspiring young people to learn about nature. These individuals planted a seed that has taken root and grown into something incredibly special.
As we look toward our next chapter, PLT is launching 50 Years Forward: Growing the Next Generation, a $5 million, five-year fundraising campaign designed to expand literacy nationwide, strengthen sustainability career pathways, and ensure that every student has access to high-quality education and outdoor learning experiences. Learn more about the campaign and how you can contribute here.
Make Nature Your Classroom
However you support PLT, we’re grateful for you. Whether you use activities from our guides on the regular or you’re ready to take your first PLT professional development workshop, we’re thrilled that you’re a part of our mission. Thanks to you, more children are introduced to the magic of nature!
