For me, it was the lack of being outdoors to learn about nature and the importance of nurturing it. In school, I read about trees and their diversities and benefits; I saw beautiful pictures and drawings and landscape art but never had the opportunity to get to know these trees better. What seemed to only exist in my school books is existing beyond academics now, and being put to practice by some lucky kids today. You might even say I’m a tad bit jealous!
ReForest London is just one of the many awesome organizations that is making the practical learning of trees a reality for schools. Based in London, Ontario, ReForest London believes in the significant and positive impact of getting schools and their students involved in planting, caring for, and reaping the rewards of trees in school yards. The organization’s goals include:
- Plant trees in 10 schools yards (at least 50 large shade trees and 150 shrubs each year.)
- Involve at least 3,000 students in tree planting.
- Teach students about the importance of trees, planting native trees, and how to care for them.
- Improve school communities by creating new learning and playing spaces and planning, implementing, and maintaining a project as a school.
Not only does ReForest London help schools through planting and education, but they also encourage schools to integrate the actions into the curriculum. With the help of students, teachers and parents, Reforest London has planted trees in over three dozen London schools to date.
Neighbourwoods on the Grand is another organization with a mission that allows students to learn about the importance and beauty of trees beyond the books. Back in 2007, Neighbourwoods partnered with the Elora Centre for the Arts to arrange ArTboretum, an event that promoted the wonder and awe that is in the nature of trees through art.
The goals of the ArTboretum were to showcase the works of local, accomplished artists that depicted the importance of trees and their impact on our lives, and to engage the community in a tree-centred artistic endeavor. Some of the amazing activities that were included in this event taught kids aged 9 to 12 how to draw trees, and provided an opportunity for them to learn about trees through an interactive gallery tour.
Neighbourwoods on the Grand doesn’t just stop at events such as the ArTboretum. The organization currently offers elementary schools a very “Tree”ific Treekit. The TreeKit was created by Neighbourwoods Education Committee (a sub-committee of Neighbourwoods) with the help of teachers from elementary schools. The kit can be purchased online and includes games, a CD of tree songs, a tree “cookie” and more! It’s designed to spark teachers’ and students’ awareness about and genuine interest in trees.
With such diverse opportunities, teachers and students can attain hands-on, fun, practical ways to develop their understanding of trees and the importance of nature - in turn, creating a new generation of stewards of our urban forests.
As I mentioned, I wish part of my curriculum included an interactive art gallery or a chance to plant and watch trees grow in my schoolyard! To all of the teachers, parent and volunteers, I’m curious how you encourage your kids to learn about trees beyond books. Do you know of any other organizations like ReForest London or Neighbourwoods on the Grand in your area?
Big or small, one person or one hundred, the Urban Forest Stewardship Networkis where we come together to enhance our leafy green infrastructure. Get inspired and connect with the people behind great projects. Share your own success stories and help us build our library of resources and ideas. The steering committee - LEAF, NeighbourWoods on the Grand, ReForest London, and Peterborough Green-Up - is leading the development of this network with support from OPG Biodiversity.