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12 NOVEMBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM the planet. The knowledge they gain extends far beyond the forest and into their everyday lives, empowering them to make personal commitments for environmental change. Knowledge, Experience, Yourself, and Sharing. These keys help students reflect on how life on Earth is interconnected and how their actions can impact A t Teaching Responsible Earth Education (TREE), the belief is simple yet profound: “Our students are the greatest natural resource on Earth.” For over two decades, TREE has been instilling this philosophy in children and adults alike, fostering a deep connection to nature, encouraging environmental stewardship, and nurturing an understanding of the life sciences that govern our planet. Through hands-on experiences and immersive storytelling, TREE’s programs seek to make environmental education accessible and engaging for everyone. A Journey of Discovery A recent Earthkeepers expedition observed by Nola Family on October 15, 2024, highlighted the magic that TREE brings to its participants. This program, one of TREE’s signature offerings, is aimed at 4th graders and focuses on key scientific concepts—energy flow, cycles, interrelationships, and change. Over the course of three days in the forests of Luling, Louisiana, 50 eager students embarked on an educational adventure that connected them to the natural world in meaningful and lasting ways. Throughout the expedition, students explore the forest, engage with environmental science, and earn brass keys symbolizing four core values: Teaching Responsible Earth Education BY MADISON VOORHIES
Bringing Science to Life TREE’s impact doesn’t stop with Earthkeepers. Programs like Sunship Earth and Sunship III cater to older students in grades five through seven. These immersive, multi-day camps on the Northshore teach critical environmental concepts such as food chains, energy flow, and ecosystems through experiential learning. Whether it’s working as “food producers” inside a leaf to understand photosynthesis or becoming clouds traveling through the water cycle, these activities are designed to make abstract concepts tangible and fun for children. According to Waves, one of TREE’s nature educators, “It’s all the same information. We just want people to understand how the Earth’s processes and systems work beautifully, naturally, [and] on their own, and then realize how you can enjoy it and what part you play in those systems.” TREE also offers Earthwalks, which are interactive experiences in nature designed for all ages. These hour- long explorations invite participants to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with the natural world. A Legacy of Learning TREE’s success can be traced back to its founder, Sue “Firefly,” a former classroom teacher who envisioned something more tangible for her students. Waves recounts how Firefly discovered the Institute for Earth Education’s curriculum and fell in love with the way it made science come alive for children. “She adopted that curriculum and started teaching it while she had her fifth-grade class. After a couple of years of that, she left the classroom and went fully to teaching
these programs outdoors.” The dedication and thoughtfulness that Firefly brought to her programs continue to guide TREE’s efforts, as the organization adapts and expands its reach to new generations of students. The Importance of TREE’s Mission Why is TREE’s work so important, especially in today’s world? Waves captures the heart of it: “There are a lot of things going on in the world that cause a lot of upset and panic about the way that we’re treating our planet. A lot of these issues around climate change, even local things in our communities, have to do with having an understanding of the basic systems of the Earth.” TREE’s programs aim to provide students with that foundational understanding, giving them the tools to make informed decisions about how they live their lives and how they interact with the environment. “If these kids don’t remember any of the science that we’re teaching them, that’s okay. I want them to walk away with at least a new perspective or hopefully a new appreciation for the natural world.” Ultimately, TREE’s mission is about creating connections—between people and the Earth, between knowledge and action, and between education and empathy. Through its immersive programs, TREE reminds us that the natural world is not just something to be studied but something to be cherished, appreciated, and protected. To learn more about how you can support TREE or to further your or your child’s environmental education, visit treetalk.org.
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