Project Learning Tree uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase students’ understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it. Since 1976, PLT has trained 765,000 educators to help students learn how to think, not what to think about complex environmental issues.
From its beginnings in 1976, PLT has supported educators in delivering high-quality environmental education.
Mission
Colorado Project Learning Tree uses trees and forests to advance environmental knowledge and skills and promote sustainable practices and actions for all.
Colorado Project Learning Tree will provide
- Excellence in environmental education
- Relevant professional development
- Peer reviewed curriculum resources
- Networking opportunities and tools
- Career pathway development
How PLT Supports Your Work
Whether you are new to environmental education or an experienced educator, Colorado PLT provides you with the tools you need to bring the outdoors into your classroom. We offer support through our professional development, curriculum materials, and network.
Hover over the image to discover how PLT supports you
Network - Connect to local resources and partners during PLT trainings and get the latest updates with The Colorado Branch.
Curriculum Materials - Peer reviewed, award winning multi-disciplinary, hands-on lessons aligned with state standards.
Professional Development – In person and virtual trainings designed to enhance your teaching skills and increase comfort teaching outdoors – in urban, suburban, or rural environments.
Growing Next Generation Environmental Stewards
Since its beginnings, PLT has reached 138 million students through educators who have attended our professional development trainings and used our award winning curriculum materials. In Colorado, the network is committed to supporting your work inspiring our next generation of environmental stewards.
Hover over a section to view the role of each group
Teachers, parents, youth group leaders, outdoor educators, foresters, and community members use PLT’s award winning materials to teach youth about trees, forests, and the broader environment
Trained volunteers lead interactive professional development workshops equipping educators with PLT materials and best practices
Staff from the Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education coordinate the statewide program
Volunteers from education and natural resource organizations across the state increase awareness of PLT, provide strategic direction, and support the state coordinators
Strategic Priorities
Colorado PLT is focused on growing the following areas to support educators delivering excellent environmental education. Learn more with the 2021-2025 strategic plan.
Audiences
- Improve workshop relevance
- Better reach target audiences
- Increase accessibility to PLT
- Enhance communications
- Track and evaluate metrics for success
Facilitators
- Foster better engagement among facilitators
- Provide best practices in training opportunities
- Enhance facilitator networking
- Engage facilitators in newly developed PLT tools
Networks
- Increase relevant partnerships statewide
- Provide connections and support for the PLT community
Cultural Equity
- Develop the diversity in knowledge, skills, and representation among facilitators, advisory council members and PLT staff
- Identify and meet the needs of underrepresented audiences
Funding
- Build a sustainable funding model while maintaining workshop accessibility
- Leverage partnerships to develop fiscal support
- Seek mission-aligned grant opportunities
- Pursue alternative funding sources to grow and diversify PLT’s reach
- Create a strategic budget
Equity Principles
Colorado PLT’s Mission is to use trees and forests to advance environmental knowledge and skills and promote sustainable skills and actions for all. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and in order to meet our mission we strive to live by the following equity principles to foster a more equitable, inclusive, and just network for all.
PLT recognizes that these are living principles with many layers and we will continue to evolve, adapt, and learn to incorporate these. We recognize the importance of continually revisiting and reflecting in order to embody these principles in our work. Colorado PLT is focused on growing the following areas to support educators delivering excellent environmental education.
