
Engaging, hands-on education
Professional development

PLT Professional Development trainings are designed for classroom teachers, college students, natural resource professionals, andleaders in youth organizations who want to inspire the next generation
live trainings

August 11th/12th Trees & Me: Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children
Join us for a hands-on workshop featuring the Project Learning Tree, Trees & Me curriculum, where caregivers can learn practical, nature-based activities to spark curiosity and school-readiness in children ages 1–6.
We’re offering this training in two locations
August 11th Fort Collins, CO – The Gardens on Spring Creek
August 12th Cheyenne, WY – The Paul Smith Children’s Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Registration closes July 20th for both workshops
Time: 9am-12pm
Cost: $20, scholarships available
Spark a lifelong love of nature in your littlest learners! Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop featuring PLT’s award-winning Trees & Me early childhood curriculum.
In this training, we will dive into a seasonal journey, exploring how to engage a child’s curiosity from the “dancing” leaves of autumn to the fresh buds of spring. You will experience the activities firsthand and discuss practical ways to use them in your specific learning spaces—whether that’s a classroom, a backyard, or a local park.
The Trees & Me Guide
All participants will receive their own copy of the PLT Trees & Me Activity Guide. This research-based resource features hundreds of hands-on experiences organized around 12 flexible topics. It is designed to help children ages 1–6 gain confidence and school-readiness skills—like literacy and math—through a deep, sensory connection to the environment.
What We’ll Explore Together:
- A Journey Through the Seasons: Experience activities like Fall for Trees, Evergreens in Winter, and Best Buds to see how nature stays engaging year-round.
- Learning Through Play: Discover how to integrate nature into music, movement, art, and “discovery tables.”
- Inclusive Teaching: We’ll share tips for outdoor learning, bringing nature inside, and adapting activities for diverse learners and unique environments
Bring Your Little Explorers!
To make this training accessible and practical, caregivers are welcome to bring related children in their care (up to 3 children per adult). Note: Due to room capacity, this family invitation applies to individual household/kinship care and cannot accommodate daycare groups or preschool classes
While we are not providing separate childcare, this is a unique opportunity to practice the PLT activities directly with your children during the session. Our interns will also facilitate engaging educational activities in the same space, allowing children to play while you participate in group discussions.
Workshop Perks
- Family-Friendly Environment: Bring your children along to learn and play alongside you.
- Snacks: Refreshments will be provided for both adults and children.
- Take-Home Resources: You will leave with the Trees & Me guide and practical tips for immediate use in your classroom or home.
Why It Matters
Early exposure to the outdoors enhances learning and makes children more likely to care about the environment throughout their lives. Join us to learn simple, effective ways to provide “Nature Positive” experiences for the children in your care.
CUSTOMIZED tRAININGS
Looking to train a group of 10 or more? We can bring Project Learning Tree to you! We offer customized virtual and in-person trainings that vary in length and topic, from an introduction to PLT to more advanced, skill-building workshops.

self-paced tRAININGS
Forest Literacy: Understanding the Values of Trees, Forests, and Sustainability
A FREE online course for educators, forestry and conservation professionals, and sustainability leaders to help strengthen community connections to trees, deepen understanding around the value of forests, and increase audience engagement.
On-Demand PLT Workshops

Access our professional development anytime and anywhere through our engaging online workshops. These self-paced courses require a time commitment of 1 – 6 hours to complete. Each course is designed using best practices in online learning and teacher professional development, ensuring you receive a high-quality learning experience. The modules prepare you to confidently integrate PLT materials into your instruction. With only an internet connection, you can access your course whenever and wherever you are, giving you the ultimate flexibility to fit professional growth into your schedule.
eeCourses

With sessions available in Spring, Summer, and Fall, each of these asynchronous courses require 8–15 hours to complete. They include a variety of tasks and assignments that are thoughtfully designed to engage you in active learning experiences. Each course is moderated by field professionals who guide your learning, answer questions, and provide feedback.
Green Schools and You
This course provides educators and community leaders with the knowledge, process, and proven tips needed to understand, launch, and successfully lead a Green School program in their community.

Early Childhood Education
This course is designed to empower formal and non-formal educators with the knowledge, skills, and a practical integration plan to establish or enhance a high-quality, nature-focused early childhood environmental education program.


