For the Antigo Times

Trees For Tomorrow, an accredited natural resources specialty school in Eagle River, Wisconsin is accepting applications for their “Intro to Field Investigations” summer teacher workshop geared toward 4th – 8th grade educators interested in developing skills and strategies to encourage students to get outside and explore as part of their classroom learning.

This four-day workshop at the Trees For Tomorrow’s campus will introduce the benefits of outdoor learning through science-based field investigations. Two date options are available: June 26-29 or July 17-20, 2017.

“There are so many benefits to taking students outside and connecting them to the natural world,” said Mary Beth Factor, Trees For Tomorroweducator and program coordinator. “You can’t beat the benefits of improved problem-solving, social and cognitive skills, plus an increase in academic performance. Studies have even shown that students who struggle with ADD have experienced marked decreases in symptoms with exposure to the outdoors.”

Participants will learn skills and gain knowledge in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources management. Subjects include navigating using a compass and GPS, and identifying tree species and wildlife signs, then connecting these skills to data collection and analysis methods. The workshops are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards for Science, and are designed to take place in any environment.

“The goal of our workshop is to overcome the time and conceptual barriers that educators face by providing the tools necessary to create a meaningful learning experience,” said Factor. “We want every participant to leave with a product they created – whether in the form of a lesson or unit – and feel confident about implementing it into their classroom. Trees For Tomorrow will continue to provide support after the workshop.”

The workshop cost is $180.00 and includes four days of instruction, materials, resources, lodging, linens, and homemade meals. Undergraduate and graduate credits are offered through the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. In addition, there is an opportunity for a $50.00 stipend for projects implemented into the classroom. Participation is limited to 20 educators for each workshop.

The 2017 four-day teacher workshops are underwritten, in part, by the generous support of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

Information and registration information can be found online at www.treesfortomorrow.com/programs/adults. For further inquiries, please contact Mary Beth Factor at (715) 479-6456 or at marybeth@treesfortomorrow.com.