Native trees also provide teachable connections. For example, when planting white pine, students can learn about its importance in our state. Tribal groups traditionally use the soft inner bark of white pines as an additive to starchy foods. White pine trees were also an important part of Wisconsin’s European settlement; the large trees were prized for ship masts. 

Native plants often provide the greatest benefit to wildlife. Because they co-evolved with the wildlife of Wisconsin, they’re more readily used as a food source. Though we often think of deer, bears and birds as getting their food from forest trees and shrubs, invertebrates are an important part of this story too.

Consider that oak trees are host to over 500 caterpillar species, which is more than any other tree in North America. Most of these 500 feed on only three or fewer types of plants, making the presence of natives like oaks more important. In contrast, non-native and invasive plants often support fewer wildlife species. Task your students with researching the number of insects and other wildlife that feed on the trees selected for your Arbor Day planting event!

Invasive plants may have deleterious effects on the local environment. Note that not all “non-native” plant species are “invasive”. Some non-native tree species are planted deliberately by urban foresters to increase tree diversity, for example Gingko and Japanese zelkova trees. However, invasive plants like Japanese barberry, Norway maple, Tartarian (or bush) honeysuckle, and Callery (or Bradford) pear, while valued for ornamental reasons, have proven disastrous in Wisconsin.

Japanese barberry’s small prolific seeds are easily disbursed, and it also spreads by branch layering and underground rhizomes. That triple threat makes it a potent sprawler in habitats of all kinds. You may have these popular plants at your school. Invasive ornamentals can be difficult to eradicate, requiring significant mechanical removal and chemical treatment.

Outdoor Learning Safety Tips

As spring field trip season ramps up, it’s a good time to think about safety considerations when bringing students outdoors. Whether you are an experienced outdoor educator or someone who is just getting started on that journey, taking a few minutes to be sure you are prepared can eliminate problems and keep the focus on fun and meaningful learning.

Here are some things to think about as you prepare for an outdoor learning experience:

• If possible, visit your destination before you arrive with students. Look for any areas to avoid, check the cell phone service, and make sure you know your way around the trails.

• Decide if you will bring another adult with you. This is important for larger groups, or activities where students will be spread out beyond your sight. 

• Consider your students that have mobility challenges to be sure they can participate in your activities. If not, modify your plans so that all students can benefit from the outdoor experience. 

• Decide on your plans for managing bathroom needs, and whether you will need to bring drinking water. Remember to think from the point of view of a student when deciding this!

• Make sure students and parents know what kind of shoes and clothing are needed for this event. Having backup gear for students who don’t have their own can help everyone feel comfortable. Consider asking for donations from local businesses to keep a school set of emergency outdoor clothing.

• Don’t forget to tell the school office you will be out, even if it is just a short jaunt onto the school grounds.

• Bring a first aid kit, and include an EpiPen if you have students with allergies. 

• Perhaps most importantly, make sure your students understand the expectations and boundaries for your time outdoors. It’s a good idea to go over these things in class the day before you leave, as well as on-site when you arrive. 

Be safe and have fun out there with your students!

Summer School Kit Tip

Looking for an easy way to structure your summer school programming? LEAF's grade-level lesson guide kits are a perfect resource.

These kits (K-1, 2-3, 4, 5-6, 7-8) pair with LEAF’s K-12 Forestry Lesson Guides. They contain supplemental lesson materials and books focused on Wisconsin forests, equipment for students to use when exploring in the forest and materials to do lessons.