Education

We strive to educate and inform all Texans in ways that allow individuals to explore conservation and environmental issues, engage in problem-solving, and take action to improve the environment.
Forester holding tree seedling in front of students

All Resources on Education

  • Texas A&M Forest Service and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative launched an online forestry education course—Forest Literacy: Understanding the Values of Trees, Forests and Sustainability. The online course is designed to provide access to forest and natural resource concepts to all formal and informal educators, academic administrators, natural resource personnel and others who engage in public […]
  • On April 26, 2025, East Texas landowners gathered at the I.D. Fairchild State Forest in Cherokee County to commemorate its centennial year.     Saturday’s attendees toured the state forest to learn about its history, pine management operations, pine plantation and genetic operations, native grass establishment and turkey and red-cockaded woodpecker conservation efforts by Texas A&M Forest […]
  • It’s time for Texans to brace for cedar fever season once again.
  • The holidays are full of many memories, smells, and flavors. They are also brimming with family traditions and recipes that have been carefully crafted and passed on for generations. Texas trees generate a $41.6 billion economic impact and many essential ingredients for some of our favorite foods, including syrup, flavoring extracts and spices, pecans, nuts, […]
  • More than $235,000 in scholarships will be available for students in the Forest Resource Track in the Texas A&M Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology.
  • Texas A&M Forest Service hosted the fourth annual Sisters in Fire event on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Sam Houston State University Bearkat Camp. Twenty-three young women between the ages of 12 and 18 from across 23 Texas counties participated.  “For the fourth year, we’ve shown young women the comradery, integrity and excitement that comes with […]
  • An annular solar eclipse will occur in the Texas skies Oct. 14. A“ring of fire” will be created by the sun’s shadow around the moon while parts of Texas will be in the path of totality.
  • Students from the Houston area got a chance to explore the W.G. Jones State Forest in Conroe during Texas A&M Forest Service’s “Classroom Without Walls” program.
  • We can’t control when disasters strike, but we can make sure we are prepared.
  • Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans to protect our lands and all that we love this hunting season by being mindful of activities that may cause a wildfire.
  • Increased wildfire potential is expected across much of the state early this week due to approaching dry cold fronts and high temperatures.
  • Trees are remarkable plants, and at no time is that more apparent than in the fall, when deciduous trees—bracing themselves for the winter—begin their transition into dormancy.
  • Texas A&M Forest Service podcast, “Trees Are Key”, is reminding listeners to get outside and explore during stay-at-home times. Celebrating five years this spring, the short, weekly podcast helps listeners better care for their trees by featuring short lessons and weekly tree highlights.
  • As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the nation, our healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers are heroically keeping the nation afloat. But there’s one underlying constant, or force, if you will, that touches and protects us all. It’s the unsung hero: the forest.

  • Coronavirus Update

    News Story

    UPDATE 4/17/2020 – State forests to reopen Monday, April 20, 2020, after temporary closure amid coronavirus pandemic.
  • Tax season is fast approaching and forest landowners may want to refresh their knowledge of timber tax laws.
  • Media is invited to attend Field Day to learn more about the academy and visit classes covering engine operations, chainsaw work and tactical decision making in the wildland urban interface.
  • The 22nd Annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy begins at the Camp Swift National Guard Facility in Bastrop, Texas this week. The academy runs from Oct. 11-23, 2019.
  • Funds Available for Forest Thinning Through Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program. Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting applications for the 2018 Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Prevention Program Thinning Cost-Share. Through this program, eligible forest landowners can receive
  • The largest city in the largest continental state in America has an urban forest to match. And now, for the first time, information about Houston’s trees is available online. The My City’s Trees web application is a free tool that makes community tree data easily accessible to the public.
  • The city of Dallas has developed a plan to reduce risks and better prepare for wildfires. Dallas, a major metropolitan area in Texas, is the 53 rd city in the state to complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
  • San Jacinto County has developed a plan that will better prepare the community for wildfires. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan is the 18 th countywide CWPP in Texas. It was developed by San Jacinto
  • A loblolly pine on the T.L.L. Temple Foundation Boggy Slough Conservation Area west of Lufkin was recently confirmed by Texas A&M Forest Service to be the largest of its kind in the state. Located within 200 feet of Cochino Bayou, a prominent waterway, the champion lob
  • The Conservation Fund and Texas A&M Forest Service announced today the protection of 6,899 acres of working forestland near Palestine, Texas.
  • Landowners in many parts of Texas have an opportunity to receive reimbursement for the cost of having a prescribed burn conducted on their property. This September, Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting applications for three separate grants to assist private property owners with r
  • Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Paul Johnson has discovered that it is not enough for communities to sustainably manage and care for the urban forest.
  • For the first time ever, a census for trees is available in a new, easy-to-use application developed by Texas A&M Forest Service.
  • Over the weekend a combination of lightning, dry vegetation and elevated temperatures led to a wildfire in Jeff Davis County. The area experienced temperatures in the upper 80s, sustained winds of 15 – 25 mph and low relative humidity. This critical fire weather played a
  • Firefighters dedicated to protecting lives and property will converge at the Central Texas Wildfire Academy at Camp Bowie, Texas in preparation for the 2016 wildfire season. In an effort to enhance skills and learn new firefighting techniques, responders from across the country w
  • Getting kids outdoors and actively engaged in learning is a tough task in a day where TV and video games seem to come first. But that is exactly what Project Learning Tree’s Walk in the Forest aims to do—starting with teachers.
  • The long-term plan for a privately-owned estate can be as individualized as the property owner. That includes how the land is managed both now and into the future. Texas A&M Forest Service can help landowners explore options to develop a plan that is right for you.
  • East Texas is deeply rooted in the timber industry — and during the last 10 months, wildfires have wiped out more than $97 million worth of the region’s trees. Since wildfire season began on Nov. 15, 2010, firefighters have responded in East Texas to 2,151 wildfires th
  • Significant damage to forest land, timber and the environment was reported on two major Texas fires this week, causing estimated losses that total millions of dollars. The Dyer Mill Fire in Grimes County burned 5,280 acres, and along with the heavy toll to people and prope
  • Smokey Bear is the longest running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. Wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical issues affecting our country, and Smokey’s message, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires” encourages personal responsibility.    Smokey Bear uses five rules to teach children and adults wildfire prevention: 1. Only you can prevent wildfires.   2. […]
  • Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education curriculum and national program that inspires current and future generations to use forests as a lens to the world.   The resources teach students not WHAT to think, but HOW to think about complex environmental topics, like understanding forest ecosystems, water conservation, and climate change. PLT’s hands-on […]
  • Curriculum modules and resources Tree Trails offers a place-based learning experience for your students to get outside and interact with the trees on your campus or in your community. Using urban forestry education goals, Tree Trails guides educators in creating and incorporating a Tree Trail in their program.   The lesson series moves students through basic […]
  • Connect with your local environment through outdoor learning and exploration. From groups to individuals, Tree Trails makes it easy to learn new skills and contribute to citizen science projects that sustain and protect Texas’ trees and forests. By creating a Tree Trail, you can gather real data for conservation projects, celebrate your neighborhood trees, and […]
  • Carbon capture Carbon capture fact sheet & quiz Tree biology Tree biology fact sheet & quiz Forest management Forest management fact sheet & quiz Ecosystems Ecosystems fact sheet & quiz Sustainability Sustainability fact sheet & quiz Water Water fact sheet & quiz Fire safety Fire safety fact sheet & quiz Renewable resources Renewable resources fact […]
  • What is thinning in forestry? How to prune a tree Harvesting timber Streamside management zones Prescribed burning explained What is a prescribed burn? Planning a prescribed burn What is a timber appraisal? Shelterwood harvest What is a blowdown?
  • The Texas Forest Literacy Plan is a framework for learning about the important role forests play in our state and beyond. It’s designed for all Texans. Students, teachers, families, and communities.   All life on earth depends on healthy forests. The first step to ensure a sustainable future for these vital ecosystems is understanding what they […]
  • Geocaching is a fun way to explore new areas. Basically, it’s an outdoor treasure hunt…and all you need for the hunt is your smartphone!   The “treasures” can vary from a large container with toys and trinkets to trade to a small container designed to blend in with the surrounding environment. There are more than 3 […]
  • Explore nature with young learners  Early childhood activities offer hands-on, play-based experiences designed to inspire curiosity and foster development in young children. From sensory play to storytelling and outdoor exploration, these activities strengthen cognitive, motor, social, and emotional skills while building a connection to the natural world that your little ones will carry with them […]
  • Whether you’re guiding students in the classroom or encouraging exploration at home, introducing K-5 learners to natural resource education helps them develop essential skills like critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and scientific inquiry.   Through hands-on outdoor learning, children connect with nature in ways that foster curiosity, creativity, and a lasting sense of responsibility for the world […]
  • We offer a variety of education resources to support students and educators in 6th to 12th grade. Whether learning in the classroom or exploring the outdoors, these tools foster a deeper understanding of Texas’ diverse forests, wildlife, and environmental stewardship.   Our resources align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, […]
  • Why teach about natural resources Learning about the natural world does more than just teach facts. It helps the next generation build important skills that go beyond the classroom. Engaging with natural resources helps students develop deeper thinking, creative problem-solving, and leadership skills, like:  Critical thinking and decision-making: Help students think carefully about complex environmental […]
  • What is a wildfire? Wildfire is an uncontrolled or unplanned fire burning vegetation like a forest or grasslands. They can occur in isolated areas or very close to and within communities. Wildfires occurring near or in communities can pose a threat to people and property.   Are all fires bad? No. Not all fires are bad […]
  • 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 […]
  • It’s often said that every tree tells a story. Famous Trees of Texas highlights an elite group of trees that have witnessed pivotal moments in the state’s frontier history.   Dive deeper into Texas history and the fascinating connection between people, trees, and state history through our Story Map. Book 100 of these trees have […]
  • What is Nature Challenge? Nature Challenge is a platform that helps people across the U.S. connect with nature, engage with it in new ways, and take meaningful action to protect our natural resources.  It’s a 21st-century solution to a common question: How can we make a positive impact on our environment and build a sustainable […]
  • Teach about nature Teaching about natural resources Access a range of resources designed to help K-12 students explore complex environmental topics through hands-on lessons. Our materials help instructors teach practical conservation efforts, the principles of sustainability and ecosystem management, and the long-term benefits of healthy forests. Learn about nature Forest impacts Forests are vital to […]
  • The Texas Arbor Day Unit Series for 9th-12th grade engages high school students in a comprehensive exploration of forest ecosystems, soil science, and sustainable forest management.
  • The Texas Arbor Day Unit Series for 3rd-5th grade introduces students to the importance of forests and their ecosystems through hands-on activities and critical thinking exercises.

  • Module 10 lesson and student pages

    Tools & Applications

    Module 10 lesson and student pages

  • Texas Forest Stewardship Plan 2005-2010

    Publication, Tools & Applications

    Texas Forest Stewardship Plan 2005-2010
  • Tree Identification Lesson Plan 1-2 Secondary

  • Tree Identification 1-2 Secondary

    Tools & Applications

    Tree Identification 1-2 Secondary

  • Map a Tree Trail Lesson Only

    Tools & Applications

    Map a Tree Trail Lesson Only

  • Secondary Internet Links

    Tools & Applications

    Secondary Internet Links for tree trails for educators

  • Secondary Cover Tree Trails

    Tools & Applications

    Secondary Cover Tree Trails
  • Tree Trails Project Learning Tree Correlation

  • Tree Tag

    Tools & Applications

    A tree tag that can be used as part of the tree trails for educators lesson

  • Tree Trails Notes Page

    Tools & Applications

    An empty notes page for the Tree Trails Program

  • Famous Trees of Texas

    Tools & Applications

    If Texas’ trees could speak, what stories they would tell—stories of love, honor, mystery, justice, and injustice. Famous Trees of Texas, the state’s historic tree program, is an elite group of trees that have witnessed exciting events in Texas’ frontier history. Tour the trees through our Story Map, and learn more about Texas history.

  • Tree Trails

    Tools & Applications

    Tree Trails is a conservation education project that enhances outdoor classrooms at schools, nature centers, and public parks by creating educational trails centered around trees, promoting environmental awareness, and learning through nature.

  • Geocaching

    Tools & Applications

    Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices. Explore the app to discover geocaches at different Texas A&M Forest Service offices throughout Texas.
  • Tour through the state forests and arboretums managed by Texas A&M Forest Service that serve as educational resources for Texans and visitors.
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