Kids and Families
Lots of ideas are out there for helping children appreciate and learn about native trees and the many benefits they bring to us and to wildlife.
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Plant a tree with the child to grow as they do.
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Have the child adopt a native tree that is already growing. Sit under it, get to know it, name it, write poems about it or letters to it.
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Encourage the child to volunteer to spread the good news about native trees. Many of the ideas on our Volunteer page are suitable for children. Children want to make a difference in the world, and this is a practical way to do that.
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Participate in City Nature Challenge in the spring, perhaps with mini challenges between neighborhoods, classes or schools.
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Give the child a copy of the Junior Arborist Activity Book. You can print it from this pdf.
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Find lots of other activities here.
Become a Tree Rescuer:
Survey your neighborhood for trees that are at risk from invasive vines and drop off a brochure for the landowner. This is meaningful work in which children and adults alike can make a real difference.
Tree identification
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Guide to Tree Identification and Common Native Trees - For older teens and adults
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Let’s Identify Common Native Trees - a very simplified dichotomous key
Resources for teachers
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Virginia Department of Forestry - Activities for Kids and Families
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Project Learning Tree is a national curriculum on tree, which can be used for professional development credits
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A great book for teachers is Plantwise, put out by the Ontario naturalists
