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 11^th Fort Collins, CO – The Gardens on Spring Creek
August 12^th Cheyenne, WY – The Paul Smith Children’s Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

Registration closes July 20^th 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.

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.

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.