Rediscovery Forest Education Programs

The Rediscovery Forest Education Programs provide K-12 students an opportunity to discover the importance of Oregon's forests, see forest development and understand how forests contribute to our quality of life. The Rediscovery Forest is located inside the Oregon Garden.

Program Overview:
The program typically takes four hours to complete; this includes a half hour for lunch. Hands-on, science-based lessons average 60-90 minutes long. Program time is flexible based on travel schedules.

The sessions may cover two or three of the topics listed below. Please rank your preferences and we will try to accommodate your top choices for both lessons and trip dates. Visits may take place throughout the school year, however, winter months are not highly recommended.

We have a classroom or covered picnic area available; your students should bring a bagged lunch for full-day programs.

We request a minimum of one chaperone for every five students for our K-8 programs. Students must be accompanied by adults at all times.

Program Availability:
Rediscovery Forest Education Programs are open to the public and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Most groups arrange their field trip several months in advance. Spring is our busiest season.

To ensure a positive forestry experience, programs are limited to two classrooms per day.

The Rediscovery Forest contains many trails to explore, many of them ADA accessible. We also have several restroom facilities, drinking fountains and a covered area.

All programs occur rain or shine.

Program Cost:
Funding is provided by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute and enables Rediscovery Forest Education Programs to be offered to students statewide at no cost to public or private schools.

Lesson Descriptions
The grade ranges listed with each lesson below are suggestions based on previous experience. If a lesson sounds suited to your needs but is out of your grade range, just let us know. We frequently add or adjust lessons to meet individual classroom needs.

If your group has a forestry topic that you would like to cover but don’t see listed, we may be able to accommodate the request.

The forestry education staff has experience and knowledge in natural resources and education; they reserve the right to modify lessons based on availability and appropriateness.

Click here to download program brochure

• Tree Treasure Hunt (K-3)
• Wildlife Habitat (K-4)
• Animal Tracking (2-6)
• Forest Food Chains (4-8)
• Forest Ecology (5-12)
• Tree Identification (5-12)
• Role of Fire in Oregon Forests (6-12)
• Sustainability/Forest Practices Act (6-12)
• Science Inquiry in the Forest (9-12)
  
• Forest Management /Tools of the Trade (7-12) 

Additional topics available upon request!

Registration:

Participants can follow the link below to register online.

After a review of applications, participants will be contacted with details of their trip. All participants receive a packet with a written confirmation, maps and other information.

Please notify staff of any special requirements your group may have.