Forestry Curriculum & Resources for Teachers
Discover the power of forest education with your local conservation district.
Did you know that Washington has 22 million acres of forestland, with four million acres privately owned? These working forests are essential to local economies, provide vital wildlife habitat, and are a critical part of the state’s response to global climate challenges. They also play a unique role in funding schools through Washington State Trust Lands, directly connecting our natural resources to your students’ success.
Conservation Districts Can Help!
Your local conservation district offers resources and expertise to help your students explore these topics in engaging and meaningful ways.
By partnering with your local district, you can connect your students to the science and stewardship of our forests and empower them to think critically about their role in environmental conservation.Â
Workshops
Conservation districts regularly host digital and in-person workshops about the local environment and management tips for landowners. These events are typically free to the public and are a great way to meet forestry and habitat specialists!Â
We can help you introduce the concept of forest canopy conversion: the transformation of forested areas into non-forested land, often due to urban development, agriculture, or other land-use changes. By understanding this process, students can explore the balance between land use and conservation and the implications for climate resilience and healthy communities.
Field Trips
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Hands-On Learning for Students
Your local conservation district can connect you with partner agencies that support student involvement in habitat restoration and maintenance.Â
Washington Conservation Corps
Young adults (18-25) can jumpstart a career in the environmental field through the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC). Crew members serve a 9-month term across Washington’s public lands while making a positive impact on the environment. Members learn about local ecology, plant identification, restoration techniques, natural resource management, and tool safety while engaging with a wide variety of conservation professionals from government and non-profit agencies. Most districts have a WCC field crew that help us accomplish our many projects!
Envirothon Competition
Envirothon is a natural resources competition held by conservation districts that tests high school students in Forestry, Aquatic Ecology, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and a rotating topic. Your students will have the opportunity to put their environmental knowledge to the test against their peers! Local teams begin by competing in Northwest Regional Envirothon in the spring. Top teams will advance to Washington State Envirothon, which is held mid-May. State champions then travel to the national NCF Envirothon event in the summer to compete against teams from around the country and abroad.Â
Forest Career Pathways
There are hundreds of jobs in the forestry industry, and many pathways to take! Share this with your students who are interested in exploring this field.
Exploring Green Jobs in Forestry Careers
Agriculture & Natural Resource Career Pathways in Washington State
Trainings & Further Education for Teachers
The U.S. Forest Service’s newsletter, Science You Can Use, is a consistent source of forest science education from the Rocky Mountain Research Station.
WSU Extension Forestry K-12 Resource Library –Â needÂ
WSU Forestry Extension
Forest stewardship courses/teacher training if this happens again
WA DNR
Works in partnership with conservation districts, PEI, OSPI, Tribes and others to deliver teacher training
OSPI
Offers a series of Nonformal/Informal & Science Teacher trainings in partnership with local organizations and Tribes to highlight issues of local importance. Faciltated by the Environment & Sustainability and Outdoor Schools staff.
Curriculum & Additional Resources
To further support your curriculum, we have curated a list of forest focused community partners, educational materials and interactive tools that delve into topics such as forest canopy conversion, sustainable forest management, and the ecological significance of our state’s forests. These resources are designed to enhance your students’ understanding and foster a deeper connection to the natural world.
Forest Carbon Data Visualization
The Forest Carbon Data Visualization website is an interactive tool that illustrates the role of U.S. forests in carbon sequestration and storage. Developed by the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) with data analysis by the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI), this resource offers insights into how forests contribute to mitigating climate change.
National Association of Forest Owners Alliance
National Association of Forest Owners Alliance covers topics such as understanding COâ‚‚ equivalents (COâ‚‚e), different forest categories, the processes of carbon sequestration, storage, and emissions, the role of forest products, and sustainable forest management practices. It’s designed to make complex forest carbon data accessible and engaging, providing a comprehensive picture of how U.S. forests and forest products are combating climate change.
Pacific Education Institute
The Pacific Education Institute (PEI) offers an extensive array of forestry-focused educational resources tailored to various grade levels and learning objectives. Their Resource Directory allows educators to search by topic, grade level, standards, and resource type, with many materials available in Spanish. Notable resources include the “Forests of Washington: Forest Ecosystems and People” activity guide, which provides comprehensive insights into the state’s forest regions and related issues, and the “Washington Forest Education: K-12 Learning Framework,” offering a structured approach to integrating forest and natural resource education into the classroom. Additionally, PEI’s “Urban Forestry” storyline guides students in exploring the benefits of urban trees and the urban heat island effect. These resources are designed to enhance students’ understanding of forestry and foster a deeper connection to the natural world.
Washington Forest Protection Association
The Washington Forest Protection Association offers a dedicated website designed to help students learn about working, managed forests in Washington state. The site features sections on Washington forests, wildlife, wood products, the environment, and fun activities, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
WA DNR Gear Library System: Offers free check out of forestry and PPE kits from the 6 regional offices + Olympia
WA Trails Association Gear Library: Libraries in Seattle and Pierce Co. provide access to apparel and gear to support equitable access to the outdoors. Free after attending a workshop orientation, with priority for schools serving low income youth of color.
Timberland Regional Library: https://trl.org/library-of-things/ Libraries in South Puget Sound/SW WA have some outdoor gear for hiking, park access, and individual educational activities (birding guides, Discover Passes, etc.)
No Child Left Inside Grants: Administered by RCO every other year to support equitable access to outdoor education and recreation
Outdoor Learning Grants: Administered by OSPI for schools, districts, and ESDs to support K-12 outdoor learning. Distributed on a rolling basis to applications that meet the criteria in the fall of each year.
