Project Learning Tree®
What is Project Learning Tree®?

Project Learning Tree® (PLT) is a collection of award winning, multi-disciplinary environmental education activity guides for educators and students in Pre K-grade 12. It is a program of the Sustainable Forest Initiative.
Educator Training Opportunities
As state PLT sponsor, EEAI hosts lively, hands-on educator trainings which assist the teacher in using the guide to bring environmental education into the classroom immediately upon return. The trainings are instructed by certified PLT facilitators and include science content-based background, guides and activity alignment to Illinois Learning Goals and Standards (Pre K-8 guide), and NAEYC/ Head Start Domains (Early Childhood Guide).
Register for a training in your region or contact a local facilitator to host a training at your facility today!
PLT also makes a great concurrent session, in-service training or exhibit booth attraction; contact the EEAI PLT Coordinator for options.
Educator Training Opportunities
As state PLT sponsor, EEAI hosts lively, hands-on educator trainings which assist the teacher in using the guide to bring environmental education into the classroom immediately upon return. The trainings are instructed by certified PLT facilitators and include science content-based background, guides and activity alignment to Illinois Learning Goals and Standards (Pre K-8 guide), and NAEYC/ Head Start Domains (Early Childhood Guide).
Register for a training in your region or contact a local facilitator to host a training at your facility today!
PLT also makes a great concurrent session, in-service training or exhibit booth attraction; contact the EEAI PLT Coordinator for options.
Standard Correlations
Curriculum Guides
Several curriculum guides full of interdisciplinary activities are offered by PLT, including:
Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood:
Explore this Family and Friends Extension:Bursting Buds |
PreK - 8 Environmental Education Activity Guide:
Explore this Sample Activity: Environmental Exchange Box |
Secondary Education Module: Exploring Environmental Issues - Focus on Forests:
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Secondary Education Module: Southeastern Forests and Climate Change
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Upcoming Trainings
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Now Available: Online Project Learning Tree® Workshops
K-8 Project Learning Tree®
What's Included:
What's Included:
- Electronic copy of PLT’s PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide (print version available for an additional fee)
- 96 activities that are correlated to State Standards, Common Core State Standards, and support the Next Generation Science Standards' three dimensional approach
- Topics include forests, wildlife, water, air, energy, waste, climate change, invasive species, community planning, and more
- Preview an activity from the K-8 PLT Guide
- Self-paced online workshop (approximately 4 hours)
- Introduces you to PLT by highlighting our supplemental curriculum materials, extensive network, and student-led service-learning programs like GreenSchools!
- Engaging and interactive learning experiences demonstrate select PLT activities and help you plan how best to facilitate them with your students
- Course can be completed in your own time, wherever you are
- Become eligible to receive a PLT GreenWorks! grant to fund a service-learning project for your students
Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood
What’s Included:
1. Self-paced online workshop (approximately 3 hours)
2. PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood e-Guide
Print version and Music CD available for an additional fee.
After completing this online workshop, you will be able to easily incorporate PLT activities into your existing lessons. You’ll be connected with a diverse and supportive professional network. And you will be eligible to apply for a PLT GreenWorks! grant to green your school or neighborhood with your students.
Preview an activity from PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood guide
What’s Included:
1. Self-paced online workshop (approximately 3 hours)
- 5 courses (each a 20–30-minute learning experience) include simulations and videos that model PLT’s Early Childhood Activities
- Exercises and worksheets help you plan and facilitate Group Experiences with your early learners
- Tips maximize young children’s use of 6 types of Learning Centers found in your Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood activity guide.
2. PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood e-Guide
- Over 130 experiences that engage children in outdoor play and exploration
- Downloadable music files encourage children to sing, dance, and move
- The fun and hands-on activities meet learning standards (including National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework.
Print version and Music CD available for an additional fee.
After completing this online workshop, you will be able to easily incorporate PLT activities into your existing lessons. You’ll be connected with a diverse and supportive professional network. And you will be eligible to apply for a PLT GreenWorks! grant to green your school or neighborhood with your students.
Preview an activity from PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood guide
Host a Training/Find a Facilitator
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Photos from Trainings:
Illinois State PLT Coordinator Consultant
Advisory Committee
In addition to the State PLT Coordinator and the EEAI Board of Directors, a PLT Advisory Committee assists in the management of the Illinois program.
Committee Members:
Committee Members:
- Dr. Robert Carter, Northern Illinois University
- Stacey Clementz, Immediate Past President of EEAI
- Jennifer Tariq, President of EEAI
- Linda Hauser, U.S. Forest Service, Shawnee National Forest
Project Learning Tree® is the environmental education program of the American Forest Foundation and is sponsored in Illinois by the Environmental Education Association of Illinois