Project Learning Tree (PLT) State Coordinators Matt Schnabel and Leslie Wilson, along with Forest Management Chief Russell Hubright, hosted a day-long PLT professional development training at Harbison State Forest July 29.
Alongside many from the Forestry Commission, participants represented agencies from across the state, including the Center for Heirs’ Property, Clemson Extension, the SC Department of Environmental Services, the USDA Forest Service and several others.
Schnabel, Wilson and Hubright started the day by introducing the importance of conservation education and how PLT can help educators advance their skills. Participants then took part in an activity that explores different green jobs, another that challenged them to present helpful tips for working with kids and teaching outdoors, plus a hands-on exercise that highlighted the importance of forests on watershed health.
After lunch, participants were divided into four groups to plan and present a PLT activity as if they were teaching to students. With guidance from Schnabel and Wilson, groups led their own iterations of PLT activities from the “For The Trees” activity guide. A debrief after each lesson helped participants think of other ways to customize activities for different age groups and student needs.
By the end of the day, each participant earned a certificate of completion for the “For The Trees” and “Forests, Water, & People” activity guides.
