Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award winning international environmental education program. It uses the forest as a "window on the world" to increase students' understanding of our complex environment. PLT teaches not only about trees, but has informative lessons about land, the air, and the water. These lessons help to instill the confidence and commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment.

Teacher Resource List–Outdoor Education and Forests

PLT is an international program operating in all 50 states, several US territories and many other countries.

PLT activities are:

• Hands-on

• Appropriate for indoor and outdoor learning

• Designed for formal and non-formal educators of children in grades PreK through 12

• Interdisciplinary-integrating important environmental lessons into the sciences, mathematics, art, social studies, language arts, music, &  English.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) Workshops

PLT-trained facilitators conduct workshops for educators throughout Maine. A PLT workshop (usually about six hours long) can be arranged at a variety of locations during weekends, weeknights, work hours, or after school. Educators receive written curriculum materials as well as practical, hands-on training during the workshop. 

Workshop participants will learn about new sources of information and identify resources. They receive the PLT curriculum guides, the Tree Links manual, a Maine Forests Forever Green CD-ROM and information about programs available to PLT educators.

Recommended Websites Featuring information on Children & Nature

Children & Nature Network: Building a Movement to Reconnect Children and Nature.

Kids Outside:  Kids Outside is an informal group that includes educators, researchers, businesses, non-profit partners, the State of Maine and Acadia National Park, all working together to encourage all people -- and especially young people -- to experience and enjoy the out of doors.

No Child Left Inside:  A special initiative of Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to encourage Connecticut families and visitors alike to enjoy all the recreational resources and outdoor activities available in Connecticut's state parks, forests and waterways.  From Kent Falls in Kent to Stratton Brook in Simsbury to Fort Trumbull in New London, it's time to discover the great outdoors!

Take-it-Outside: Take it Outside is an initiative led by Governor John E. Baldacci to encourage Maine's children and families to reconnect with nature. Take it Outside! is your one-stop shopping information source for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities in Maine.

Learn Outside: Project Learning Tree offers multi-disciplinary tools and resources for educators who want their students to learn about the natural world … by being there.