Have a school orchard and you are wondering where to find lessons about orchards, trees and activities? Here are some organizations that offer education resources for lesson plans and activities that can help you get started!
According to the ReTreeUS Educational Orchards Learning page, you can discover the benefits of fruit trees and explore resources to help students learn about orchard management, ecological impact and nutritional value using engaging lesson plans and activities designed to spark curiosity and learning about orchards. Topics on their website include Tree-Mendous Fruits and Exploring Food Forests plus activities to learn about soil and tree biology, environmental benefits and nutrition from trees for students K-12.
The Giving Grove’s mission is to provide healthy calories, strengthen community and improve the urban environment through a nationwide network of sustainable little orchards. They support neighborhood volunteers in planting and caring for fruit trees, nut trees and berry brambles that improve the urban environment, increase tree canopy and provide a sustainable source of free, organically-grown food for neighborhoods facing high rates of food insecurity. To date, the Giving Grove network has more than 650 orchards across the U.S. Assembled from their experience with growing fruit, nuts and berries in over 680 orchards, this collection of resources will help you successfully navigate holistic orcharding.
Although not specifically an orchard resource, Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. Check out the branch in Maine called Project Learning Tree Maine for workshops, forest tours for teachers and more.
Want to know more?!
Check out these links for lesson plans, activities and inspiration!
