Don’t forget to check the OFRI K-12 website, LearnForests.org, to find curriculum materials as well as print, digital and video resources geared to educating different grade levels about Oregon’s forests. All are available for free, and shipping is free, too! OFRI’s curriculum resources are aligned to academic content standards and give teaching suggestions for sharing them with students. They offer ways for students to investigate the core ideas of science, engage in scientific and engineering practices, and practice interpreting informational text – all while learning about our forests.

Go to LearnForests.org and select your grade-level range to find age-appropriate materials for your students.

Teaching the Whole Child with Nature Journaling

Early Learner Nature Exploration

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 

Eugene, Oregon 

Join this workshop to explore activities, art, math, literature, music and movement to connect early learners to nature. Whether you regularly use the outdoors as a classroom or are new to taking students outdoors, this workshop will provide tools, strategies and hands-on resources to increase your quantity and quality in using nature as a learning setting. 

Participants receive Project Learning Tree’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood guide. 

Audience: Early learner educators (3-6 years) – both formal and non-formal, and others who work with younger children 

Registration & Details: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops

Integrating Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) SB13 Lessons into Classroom & Outdoor Learning

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023

Pendleton, Oregon

Join us to learn about history, culture and natural resources with the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). Educators will be introduced to SB13 lessons created by CTUIR, and will explore how to integrate them in classroom and outdoor learning settings, such as Outdoor School. This workshop includes a guided tour of the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute.

Audience: Geared toward 4th- to 12th-grade formal and non-formal educators, but all are welcome

Registration & Details: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops

Natural Resource Educators Conference & Envirothon Training

Natural Resources Conference: Monday, Dec. 11, 2023

Envirothon Training: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

Silverton, Oregon

This conference will focus on the social, economic and ecological aspects of Oregon’s natural resources. The conference will include:

• an overview of current research on relevant topics
• related community college connections through lesson or lab ideas
• small-group discussions with colleagues on applying lesson/lab and research in the classroom 

The optional second day is training for Oregon Envirothon 2024.

Register for one or both days!

Audience: High school educators in/or curious about natural resources career and technical education

Registration & Details: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops

Understanding Forest Fire

The “Understanding Forest Fire'” program helps students understand forest fire by exploring the essential question, “How does a fire burn out of control?” The program engages students with a hands-on, inquiry-based activity where they build a landscape and then set it on fire to investigate how fire behaves, examining the effects of fuel, topography and weather. “Understanding Forest Fire” is delivered in three parts, but can be adjusted to accommodate school schedules. This program is free to schools. Note that this program is offered November to mid-April, and primarily to Lane County schools. If you’re located outside Lane County and would like to schedule this program, please contact Beth Krisko at coordinator@foreststodayandforever.org to see if it can be arranged. 

Wood is Good: Forest Sector Career Learning 

Oregon’s forest sector offers a variety of high-demand, high-paying jobs in local communities. This presentation is 45 minutes to one hour long, and it provides a survey of forest jobs and careers. It highlights the breadth and diversity of employment in Oregon’s forest sector. The presenter will work with teachers to tailor the program for the target audience, including emphasis on jobs right out of high school or a focus on careers that require a four-year college degree. 

Programs can be scheduled by emailing coordinator@foreststodayandforever.org.

The Oregon Forest Resources Institute supports and enhances Oregon’s forest products industry by advancing public understanding of forests, forest management and forest products.

A 13-member board of directors governs OFRI. It is funded by a portion of the forest products harvest tax.

For information about OFRI's educational programs, contact:

Norie Dimeo-Ediger

Director of K-12 Education Programs

503-880-5411

dimeo-ediger@ofri.org

Rikki Heath

Environmental Educator

503-799-4792

heath@ofri.org