Foundation Programs
The Forest Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been working since 1994 to inform Californians about the relationship between the forest environment and human needs. The Forest Foundation provides free or low-cost, accurate, science-based curriculum materials for K-12 teachers, conducts research to help policy makers and community leaders develop solutions to forest health problems, and sponsors programs that bring students and teachers important information about caring for forests, including:
The Forestry Challenge - brings urban area high school students into the woods for practical forestry experience and to test their knowledge. Teams work side-by-side with field professionals to understand forest management issues and develop management plans to keep forests healthy and sustainable. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, or would like more information please contact our office at 1-866-241-8733.
Talk About Trees - a hands-on program aimed at 4th - 6th grade students that provides an overview of forest ecology, management practices, and forest products use. Through Talk About Trees, trained facilitators bring thought-provoking presentations and hands-on activities into classroom.
Classroom materials - a wide range of interactive and engaging curriculum materials that are aligned with state standards are available, including posters, videos, bookmarks, and activity booklets.
The California Forest Center at the State Fairgrounds - an urban forest where thousands of children, parents and teachers learn about forest health and managing California's most precious renewable resources. The Forest Center also hosts school tours, and distributes thousands of free seedlings every year.
Forestry Institute for Teachers
The Forest Foundation is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Forestry Institute for Teachers, coordinated annually by the Society of American Foresters. Teachers work with professional forest managers and environmental education specialists to learn about the intricate relationship between forest ecology and forest management, and develop an environmental education unit for use in their classroom!
Participating teachers receive a meaningful and intense one-week workshop in a beautiful forested setting at NO COST! Participants visit and discuss forest and other ecosystems, natural resource management systems, timber harvesting, stream restoration and wildlife biology. In addition, teachers work to develop standards based integrated curriculum project plans at the Institute and network with teachers from throughout the state! For more information visit their website or call 1-800-738-TREE.