DNR Education News

2010 Arbor Day Poster Contest for 5th Grade Students. This year’s theme is “Trees are terrific and….energy wise!” Don’t miss out on this engaging opportunity to teach fifth grade students the important role trees play in the production and conservation of energy. In addition to fostering the next generation of tree stewards, both teachers and students have an opportunity to win some great prizes. Wisconsin’s first place poster will be entered in the Arbor Day Foundation’s national competition. The Wisconsin contest deadline is February 10th, 2010. Lesson plans which correlate to National Education Standards for 5th grade and complete contest rules can be downloaded.

Fourth Grade Free Tree Seedling Applications Available. This program gives you the ability to teach the importance of being an environmental steward and provides your young scholars an opportunity to plant a tree and learn about ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Tree planting also enhances our state’s natural beauty, creates wildlife habitat, provides shade and windbreaks, and improves air quality. Apply by March 15, 2010.

Wee Recyclers early childhood recycling program helps teach children to become recyclers. Materials are designed for use with ages three to five-year-olds in early child care settings, but activities can be modified for other age groups. Activities are simple, entertaining, hands-on and require minimal preparation time. Use the teacher background information and easy directions to get started with Wee Crafts, stories and plays, songs, games, and take-home recycling ideas. Download the program today. Printed activity guides will be available in November, contact Elisabeth Olson at (608) 264-9258.

2010 Forest Appreciation Week Statewide Writing Contest for 4th Grade Students. This year's theme is "Why Plant Trees?" The Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division invites fourth grade students across Wisconsin to think and write about our tree and forest resources, and to enter the annual Forest Appreciation Week Writing Contest. Teachers can encourage 4th grade students to write about the importance of tree planting and to become an active steward of the environment. Contest deadline is March 5, 2010. Get ready for Earth Day and Arbor Day in 2010 early this year. Check out these fantastic resources you can use to get students thinking about trees.

Tree Planting for Climate Change. Start today to reduce your carbon footprint. By planting trees you can help slow the effects of climate change -- and conserve polar bear habitat. Every tree planted makes a difference!

Green & Healthy School Recycling Bin Grant Program Schools across Wisconsin are demonstrating their commitment to a more sustainable Earth, stronger communities and healthier, more productive learning environments for students by choosing to join the Wisconsin Green and Healthy Schools program. This is a web-based, self-paced and voluntary program that is available to all Wisconsin public and private elementary, middle and high schools. The program is designed to support and encourage schools in their quest for a healthy, safe, and environmentally-friendly learning environment. Complete the first two steps and receive up to 50 bins for your school!

Other News

Got Dirt? Gardening Toolkit for Educators. This program trains teachers and childcare providers to start youth gardens at their own facilities. The class and related teaching aids give teachers and childcare providers the skills they need to establish and sustain successful school garden programs, even with Wisconsin’s short growing season. Contact Bill Wright at (920) 391-4658 or Kristen Buettner (920) 391-4655.

Learn About Nature's Nuances in Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine

Hunting a woodland curative Ginseng's green leaves and shiny berries light up the shady forest floor.

What's the buzz about bees? Encouraging a mix of native bees will help cut the sting of honey bee declines.

Peaceful passage Twenty years after its creation, the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway buffers 92 miles of flowing tranquility

It works for me! We asked you to share your stories of homemade gear for the outdoors and you delivered!