Let’s Talk Trees
You already know that the team at TreesCharlotte spends a lot of time in the dirt, planting and distributing trees throughout the city. But did you also know that we have a robust educational program ready to be shared with you?
TreesCharlotte offers a wide array of presentations and activities to tree-lovers from Kindergarteners to seniors. Most talks and activities can be done in-person or virtually. Choose a topic listed below or combine them! We can tailor any presentation or activity to fit your group’s needs.
If you would like a TreesCharlotte representative to come to your group, fill out our Education Request Form at the bottom of this page!
Some of our tree talks include:
- State of the Canopy: Did you know that Charlotte is losing about 3 football fields worth of tree canopy per day?! Find out what is going on, why this tree loss is occurring, and what you can do to stop it.
- Tree Care Tips: Perfect for garden clubs, horticultural classes, and even proud tree-owners. Learn about tree care basics and how to give your tree the best shot at a long and happy life.
- Tree Equity: Charlotte’s tree canopy is not evenly distributed throughout the city. This talk explores tree equity patterns, why they occur, and TreesCharlotte’s mission to ensure all communities have access to the benefits of trees.
- Tree Biology and Identification (in the field): Join us at your local park, greenway, or tree campus to learn the basics of how trees work and how to tell them apart. By the end of this lesson you will be a tree expert!
Some of our kids activities include:
- Become a junior arborist
- Celebrate the tree lifecycle
- Exploring Tree Diversity
- Tree ID basics
- And much much more!
DIY Activities and Lessons
Below, you’ll find resources for youth to learn more about the benefits of trees, how to care for them, and fun tree activities.
TreesCharlotte Activity Sheets
Download our activity sheet for children that includes a maze, word search and crossword puzzle.
(Download Answer Sheet)
Tree Age Equation Worksheet: This is a simple, fun way to learn the approximate age of the trees in your neighborhood with some measuring tape and math.
Biodiversity Worksheet: This teaches students how important plant diversity is to the health of a forest.
How Tall is that Tree?: With just a pencil, some measuring tape, and a buddy, kids can measure the height of a tree with no climbing involved.
Leaf Collection Scavenger Hunt: Let students explore the world around them from a new lens with this leaf scavenger hunt.
Seed Pods and Cones Activity Go beyond the leaves– This activity sheet encourages students to understand the function of seed pods, cones, and fruit on trees.
Life in Tree Death Activity: This activity allows students to search for the unexpected life that comes from tree death.
Companion Curriculum
The following curricula are written with the intent to provide interdisciplinary opportunities in the use of a school’s tree garden, outdoor classroom or learning environment. Thank you to TreesGreenville for allowing us to share these.
NC Wildlife Federation Great Outdoors University
Great Outdoors University of Greater Charlotte is a conservation-based experiential education program created by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and National Wildlife Federation, designed to bring life-changing experiences to kids 6-18 who have limited opportunity to explore the natural world.
Mecklenburg County Nature Centers & Preserves
Latta Plantation Nature Center serves as the gateway to the 1,351 acres of Latta Plantation Nature Preserve and is the source for educational programs and information on the preserve’s natural communities, flora, and fauna. The preserve, Mecklenburg County’s largest, forms a green peninsula extending into Mountain Island Lake and protects a natural heritage site and several endangered plants.
McDowell Nature Center serves as the gateway to the 1,108-acre McDowell Nature Preserve and is the source for educational programs and information on the preserve’s natural communities, flora, and fauna. The preserve, the oldest in Mecklenburg County, has been left 90% undeveloped and protects mostly forested, rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie.
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve protects 737 acres of natural, forested habitat within Reedy Creek Park. Reedy Creek Nature Center and Nature Preserve is located at 2900 Rocky River Road in northeastern Mecklenburg County.
Nature Explore
Nature Explore is a collaborative program of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. The goal of Nature Explore is to support efforts to connect children with nature.