Tree Trails app
Calculate the value of the trees at your home, school, or community with our Tree Trails application. It’s easy and free. Download the app or visit the Tree Trails website.
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To create your own Tree Trail, review the User and Community Guide for step-by-step instructions on using the application and entering information about your trees.
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The first step toward a sustainable future is inspiring students to care for their environment. With Tree Trails, the forest is a living laboratory, and students are the scientists.
What is Tree Trails?
Tree Trails is a conservation project and user-generated citizen science platform that celebrates the value of our trees.
It combines data collection and iTree software to calculate the dollar value, energy savings, carbon storage, air quality, and stormwater interception savings your trees provide.
Tree Trails allows users of all ages and abilities to participate and supports the next generation of mindful stewards learning to care for, conserve, and protect our urban and rural forests.
The Tree Trails application, curriculum, and supporting resources were developed by Texas A&M Forest Service in cooperation with Texas Urban Forestry Council and was supported by grants from the USDA Forest Service and Keep America Beautiful.
How it works
Using the app’s built-in learning and data entry process, you record the locations, characteristics, and measurements of trees, including canopy spread, diameter, and height. Then using iTree Software, Tree Trails calculates the tree values based on scientific data models that analyze the cumulative environmental and economic impacts of each tree.
Multiple trees can be linked together using the “trail” feature, which allows you to estimate the benefits of individual or many trees in a defined area, like on your property, at a local park, or on school campuses.
I think the use of the Tree Trails Project is a fun way to educate our students about the natural world. Our 21st century learners need this type of curriculum to balance their technology skills and help them to understand concepts of our natural world that are not necessarily taught in the classroom.
5th Grade Teacher, Central Texas
K-12 connections
The Tree Trails elementary and secondary STEM learning programs curriculum immerses students in forest learning anywhere trees are found, including urban environments. Through TEKS-aligned lessons and optional in-person forester led programs, Tree Trails engages students in hands-on learning and skill development in data collection, GIS mapping, and applied math and science.
Career connection
Tree trails programs build real-world technical skills that prepare students for a future in high-demand, high-paying professions, such as engineering, geospatial technology, natural resource management, and forestry.
Learn more about skills development and practice for high school students, FFA/4H, and joining statewide competitions through UHCL-sponsored Envirothon and Woodland Clinic.