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

  • 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 […]
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