Branching Out: Exploring Trees and Urban Ecosystems
Celebrate Arbor Day by diving into the vital role trees play in our urban ecosystems. In this session, we’ll explore how to integrate tree-based learning into your curriculum through mapping, data collection, and observation tools like iNaturalist and iTree. Learn how trees support biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts, and connect students to broader environmental systems. With support from urban forestry experts and community partners, you’ll leave with practical strategies, digital tools, and engaging classroom activities to bring the story of trees to life on your campus.
Join location tree experts, Portland-Vancouver Canopy Collective and environmental educators, for this interactive session.
Register for TLO Session #5 HERE
All sessions are free to register
Up to 2 FREE STEM Clock Hours upon completion for this workshop
Each session includes presentations by topic matter experts, discussion, and 1/2 hour planning time for teachers (walk out with action items for your school)
Sign up for one session, or sign up for multiple sessions!
Taking Learning Outside 2025-26 Courses:
Discover how to turn your schoolyard into a dynamic space for curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning. Taking Learning Outside is a year-long professional learning series designed to help educators integrate outdoor experiences into everyday instruction. Each session explores practical ways to teach science, stewardship, and sustainability through topics such as birds, native plants, school gardens, and urban tree canopy.
Over the 2025-26 academic year, the Taking Learning Outside Series offers six sessions (both in-person and online) that cover a wide range of topics and grade levels. In-person sessions will happen at various locations across SW Washington.
5/21/26 - Session #6: Schoolyard Stewardship: Connecting Gardens, Students and Community (In-person, Northlake Elementary School, Longview, WA). Register HERE
The Taking Learning Outside Series is a partnership of the Lower Columbia Nature Network, Pacific Education Institute, Lower Columbia School Gardens, Master Gardener Program at Washington State University Extension, Washington Science Teachers Association, and ESD 112.