Adult Education

Adult Education - Tree

Activities for Kids and Families

Kids and adults learn so much through experiences and hands-on activities. Make learning about forestry and conservation a family affair!

Take a look at our activities for kids and families.

Adult Programs and Workshops

A variety of educational programs and workshops, such as Woodland Owners’ Retreats, Woods and Wildlife Conferences, Generation Next Workshops, and more, are available.

Learn more at adult educational programs and workshops available.

If you’re in the southwest part of the state, explore our Matthews State Forest Education Center.

Self-Directed Learning

Virginia Department of Forestry offers many informational publications and educational resources on a variety of subjects for self-learning. Browse our Resource Library below.

View or get your own DOF  Tree Identification book.

Adult Education Tree Measure

Learning at Home

A variety of educational resources are available to help create natural resource learning experiences at home.

Learn more about educator resources.


Additional Resources

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:document-tagshf:tax:Media
A Tree for Me
A Tree for Me

Get to know details about a single tree.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
A Year in Forest Health - Calendar
A Year in Forest Health – Calendar

One-page calendar identifies what forest health issues or occurrences are happening each month throughout the year. Learn what to look for each month.

Vieweducation forest-health public-informationdiseases forest-health-impacts insect-and-disease-id insectsdocument
Acorn and Nut Identification Guide
Acorn and Nut Identification GuideFT0060

Forestry topic information sheet helps in identifying the most common acorns and nuts in Virginia to assist in the collection for our nursery.

Vieweducation nurseries public-informationacorns-nuts forestry-topics tree-idpublication
Bark Types
Bark Types

Pictorial sheet showing the types of bark with photo samples of each.

Vieweducation public-informationkids-resources tree-iddocument
Basic Tree Identification
Basic Tree Identification

By Ellen Powell, Conservation Education Coordinator – Presentation reviews the basics of tree identification.

Vieweducation forest-management public-information training human-resourcestree-idpresentation
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2019 Camper Slideshow
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2019 Camper Slideshow

PowerPoint presentation of the camper slideshow for 2019 Camp Woods & Wildlife. (Warning – large file)

Vieweducation public-informationcamp kids-resourcespresentation
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2022 Camper Slideshow
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2022 Camper Slideshow

PowerPoint presentation of the camper slideshow for 2022 Camp Woods and Wildlife. (Warning – large file)

Vieweducation public-informationcamp kids-resourcespresentation
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2023 Camper Slideshow
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2023 Camper Slideshow

PowerPoint presentation of the camper slideshow for 2023 Camp Woods and Wildlife. (Warning – large file)

Vieweducation public-informationcamp kids-resourcespresentation
Camp Woods and Wildlife Annual Report 2019
Camp Woods and Wildlife Annual Report 2019

Report is published each year following camp and provides the highlights of camp, staff, programs, sponsors, budget summary and announcement of dates for the following year’s camp.

Vieweducation public-informationcamp educator-resources kids-resourcespublication
Camp Woods and Wildlife Annual Report 2022
Camp Woods and Wildlife Annual Report 2022

Report is published each year following camp and provides the highlights of camp, staff, programs, sponsors, budget summary and announcement of dates for the following year’s camp.

Vieweducation public-informationcamppublication
Camp Woods and Wildlife Annual Report 2023
Camp Woods and Wildlife Annual Report 2023

Report is published each year following camp and provides the highlights of camp, staff, programs, sponsors and announcement of dates for the following year’s camp.

Vieweducation public-informationcamppublication
Camp Woods and Wildlife Frequently Asked Questions
Camp Woods and Wildlife Frequently Asked Questions

Information sheet of the most frequently asked questions about Camp Woods and Wildlife.

Vieweducation public-informationcampdocument
Camp Woods and Wildlife Postcard Advertising Camp
Camp Woods and Wildlife Postcard Advertising Camp

Camp Woods and Wildlife is typically held each year, normally in June. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationcamp educator-resources kids-resourcespublication
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification GuideP00027

Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings and an identification key to the most common native Virginia shrubs and woody vines. It also contains hints for effective plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources kids-resources tree-idpublication
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page-spread)
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page-spread)P00027

Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings and an identification key to the most common native Virginia shrubs and woody vines. It also contains hints for effective plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources kids-resources tree-idpublication
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification GuideP00026

Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings, and an identification key to the most common native Virginia trees. It also contains hints for effective shrub identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.

Vieweducation public-informationtree-idpublication
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page spreads)
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page spreads)P00026

Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings, and an identification key to the most common native Virginia trees. It also contains hints for effective shrub identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.

Vieweducation public-informationtree-idpublication
Could I Live Here?
Could I Live Here?

Explore wildlife habitat requirements on the forest.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
Enjoy Nature Near You in Fall
Enjoy Nature Near You in FallF00003

Family fun activity sheet provides activities to get young people outdoors in nature, including leaf art, find it, family tree, treasure box, and staying safe when out in nature during fall. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources kids-resources nature-near-youpublication
Enjoy Nature Near You in Spring
Enjoy Nature Near You in SpringF00001

Family fun activity sheet provides activities to get young people outdoors in nature, including paint by nature, where does water go, family tree, bird nest building, and staying safe when out in nature during spring. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources kids-resources nature-near-youpublication
Enjoy Nature Near You in Summer
Enjoy Nature Near You in SummerF00002

Family fun activity sheet provides activities to get young people outdoors in nature, including color walk, butterfly feeder, family tree, quiet time, and staying safe when out in nature during summer. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources kids-resources nature-near-youpublication
Enjoy Nature Near You in Winter
Enjoy Nature Near You in WinterF00004

Family fun activity sheet provides activities to get young people outdoors in nature, including bird cookies, feeder watching, family tree, bark rubbings, and staying safe when out in nature during winter. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources kids-resources nature-near-youpublication
Environmental Education Activities to Do at Home from Virginia Department of Forestry and Project Learning Tree
Environmental Education Activities to Do at Home from Virginia Department of Forestry and Project Learning Tree

Listing of environmental education activities to do at home.

Vieweducation public-informationkids-resourcesdocument
Farm Life 360
Farm Life 360

Video provides a 360° forestry experience on a timber harvest. Read the Fact Sheet or do the Activity Suggestion: Create a Tree.

Vieweducation forest-management water-quality public-informationkids-resources timber-harvestingvideo
Forest Facts: Forestry in Virginia
Forest Facts: Forestry in VirginiaF00010

Forest facts information sheet provides an illustrated overview of forestry in Virginia, what is forestry, how does forestry help Virginia, what are working forests and why do we need them, what does a forester do, why do we cut down trees, will we run out of trees, and what can I do to help save our forests. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Forestry in Virginia - Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: Forestry in Virginia – Crossword PuzzleF00010A

Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Forestry in Virignia publication.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: How A Tree Grows
Forest Facts: How A Tree GrowsF00005

Forest facts information sheet provides an illustrated explanation of how a tree grows, including starting from a seed; how trees grow up, down and out; and tree rings. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: How A Tree Grows - Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: How A Tree Grows – Crossword PuzzleF00005A

Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts How a Tree Grows publication.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Identifying Trees
Forest Facts: Identifying TreesF00008

Forest facts information sheet provides an illustrated explanation of the key methods for identifying tree species, what defines a tree, identifying features, leaf characteristics, bark characteristics, and other tips for identifying trees. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Identifying Trees - Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: Identifying Trees – Crossword PuzzleF00008A

Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Identifying Trees publication.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Trees and Wildlife
Forest Facts: Trees and WildlifeF00012

Forest facts information sheet provides an illustrated explanation of the importance of trees to wildlife, how trees provide home sweet habitat, how to improve wildlife habitat at home, and how the wildlife changes as the forest changes through forest succession. Target audience: Youth – elementary age Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Trees and Wildlife - Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: Trees and Wildlife – Crossword PuzzleF00012A

Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Trees and Wildlife publication.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Trees Protect Water
Forest Facts: Trees Protect WaterF00007

Forest facts information sheet provides an illustrated explanation of how trees help to protect our water, understand a tree’s relationship to the land and water, understanding watersheds, the Chesapeake Bay watershed, how trees protect watersheds, the riparian zone, and how you can help by planting trees. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Trees Protect Water - Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: Trees Protect Water – Crossword PuzzleF00007A

Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Trees Protect Water publication.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Virginia in the Fall
Forest Facts: Virginia in the FallF00009

Forest facts information sheet provides an illustrated explanation of the science of leaves changing colors, the role of pigments, effects of the calendar and weather, why these changes occur, and fall leaf identification information. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources fall-foliage forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Virginia in the Fall - Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: Virginia in the Fall – Crossword PuzzleF00009A

Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Virginia in the Fall publication.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Virginia's Alien Invaders
Forest Facts: Virginia’s Alien InvadersF00011

Forest facts information sheet provides an illustrator explanation of non-native insects and plants, including how a definition of native or non-native, upsetting the balance, how they spread, how we can stop them, and Virginia’s least wanted species. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Virginia's Alien Invaders Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: Virginia’s Alien Invaders Crossword PuzzleF00011A

Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Virginia’s Alien Invaders publication.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Why We Need Trees
Forest Facts: Why We Need TreesF00006

Forest facts information sheet provides an illustrated explanation of just why we need trees, trees are beautiful, provide wildlife habitat, clean the water, give us products, produce oxygen, clear the air, save energy and money, and the loss of trees that is occurring. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Facts: Why We Need Trees - Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: Why We Need Trees – Crossword PuzzleF00006A

Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Why We Need Trees publication.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources forest-facts kids-resourcespublication
Forest Sense
Forest Sense

Use the senses to discover and describe the forest.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
Forest Succession
Forest Succession

Understand the process of plant succession in forests.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Forest Types Background
Forest Types Background

Descriptions and background information on forest types.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Forest Types Glossary
Forest Types Glossary

Supplemental glossary for forest types lessons

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Forest Types in Virginia Map
Forest Types in Virginia Map

Map shows the major forest types in Virginia.

, Vieweducation forest-inventory-analysis forest-management public-information resource-informationforest-types graphicsgraphic map
Forest Types Map
Forest Types Map

Virginia map showing coverage of forest types

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Forest Types Photos
Forest Types Photos

Photos of Virginia’s major forest types

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Forest Types Series Overview
Forest Types Series Overview

See a list of lessons in the forest types series.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Going, Going, Gone
Going, Going, Gone

Research forest types that are now uncommon in Virginia.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Annual Report 2015
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Annual Report 2015

Report is published each year following camp and provides the highlights of camp, staff, programs, sponsors, budget summary and announcement of dates for the following year’s camp.

Vieweducation public-informationcamp educator-resourcespublication
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Annual Report 2016
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Annual Report 2016

Report is published each year following camp and provides the highlights of camp, staff, programs, sponsors, budget summary and announcement of dates for the following year’s camp.

Vieweducation public-informationcamp educator-resourcespublication
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Annual Report 2017
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Annual Report 2017

Report is published each year following camp and provides the highlights of camp, staff, programs, sponsors, budget summary and announcement of dates for the following year’s camp.

Vieweducation public-informationcamp educator-resourcespublication
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Annual Report 2018
Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Annual Report 2018

Report is published each year following camp and provides the highlights of camp, staff, programs, sponsors, budget summary and announcement of dates for the following year’s camp.

Vieweducation public-informationcamp educator-resourcespublication
ID That Tree - Central Virginia
ID That Tree – Central Virginia

Identify trees of central Virginia.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
ID That Tree - Conway-Robinson & Whitney State Forests
ID That Tree – Conway-Robinson & Whitney State Forests

Identify trees of northern Virginia.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
ID That Tree - Matthews State Forest
ID That Tree – Matthews State Forest

Identify trees of western Virginia.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
ID That Tree - Zoar State Forest
ID That Tree – Zoar State Forest

Identify trees of eastern Virginia.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
Let's Learn About Trees Coloring Book
Let’s Learn About Trees Coloring BookP00215

Coloring book teaches children about the value of trees while through the fun activity of coloring. Target audience: Youth – preschool and young elementary age. Printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationeducator-resources kids-resourcespublication
Matthews State Forest Deer Hunting Workshop and Mentored Hunt 2023
Matthews State Forest Deer Hunting Workshop and Mentored Hunt 2023

Flyer advertising the Matthews State Forest Hunting Workshop and Mentored Hunt September 16 and September 30, 2023.

Vieweducation state-forests public-informationhunting matthews-sfdocument
Measuring Up
Measuring Up

Use several methods to measure tree height and diameter.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
Nature Activities for Families
Nature Activities for Families

Listing of free online Project Learning Tree materials and resources for nature activities for families.

Vieweducation public-informationkids-resourcesdocument
People of Forestry - Discover Careers in the Forest
People of Forestry – Discover Careers in the Forest

Activity book helps youth explore careers in the forest through a variety of activities. Limited printed copies available.

Vieweducation public-informationcareers kids-resourcespublication
Pests Gone Wild
Pests Gone Wild

Learn about invasive species that impact forests and explore solutions.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
Plots and Plans
Plots and Plans

Collect data about features of a forest plot.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
Soils and Forests
Soils and Forests

Explore the role of soils in determining forest type.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Success(ion) Stories
Success(ion) Stories

Learn about plant succession in a typical Virginia forest.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
The Future Forest
The Future Forest

Observe regeneration to predict the future makeup of a forest.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
The Hidden Forest
The Hidden Forest

Learn about the value of urban forests.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Threats to Forests
Threats to Forests

Understand threats to Virginia’s forests.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Tree Photo Cards
Tree Photo Cards

Photos of trees from the identification keys in this lesson series.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
Tree Trunk - Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Tree Trunk – Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

Forest information for Appomattox-Buckingham Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
Tree Trunk - Conway-Robinson State Forest
Tree Trunk – Conway-Robinson State Forest

Forest information for Conway-Robinson Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
Tree Trunk - Cumberland State Forest
Tree Trunk – Cumberland State Forest

Forest Information for Cumberland Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
Tree Trunk - Matthews State Forest
Tree Trunk – Matthews State Forest

Forest information for Matthews Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
Tree Trunk - Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest
Tree Trunk – Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest

Forest Information for Prince Edward-Gallion Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
Tree Trunk - Whitney State Forest
Tree Trunk – Whitney State Forest

Forest Information for Whitney Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
Tree Trunk - Zoar State Forest
Tree Trunk – Zoar State Forest

Forest Information for Zoar Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunksdocument
Tree Trunk Activity Overview
Tree Trunk Activity Overview

List and brief descriptions of lesson plans in the State Forest Tree Trunks series

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
Trees are Renewable!
Trees are Renewable!

A mini-curriculum for the book “Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?”

Vieweducation public-informationkids-resourcespublication
Virginia's Least Wanted - Emerald Ash Borer
Virginia’s Least Wanted – Emerald Ash BorerPST003

Poster shows the damage done but this threat to our native ash trees. Designed for 24 in. x 36 in. poster. Target audience: Youth – elementary age.

Vieweducation public-informationemerald-ash-borer kids-resources posterpublication
Virginia's Least Wanted - Invasive Plants
Virginia’s Least Wanted – Invasive PlantsPST004

Poster helps identify invasive plants, which threaten our forest ecosystems. Designed for 24 in. x 36 in. poster. Target audience: Youth – elementary age.

Vieweducation public-informationinvasive-species invasive-species-identification kids-resources posterpublication
Virginia's Least Wanted - Thousand Cankers Disease
Virginia’s Least Wanted – Thousand Cankers DiseasePST005

Poster shows the damage done but this threat to our native black walnut trees. Designed for 24 in. x 36 in. poster. Target audience: Youth – elementary age.

Vieweducation public-informationkids-resources poster thousand-cankers-diseasepublication
What Grows Where
What Grows Where

Determine why forest types vary from place to place.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
What Would You Do?
What Would You Do?

Make decisions about forest management.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?
Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?NA–IN–01–12

Illustrator children’s book discusses the benefits of trees, why we cut trees, and how we can plant trees back. Produced by the USFS.

Vieweducation public-informationkids-resourcespublication
Wildlife in the Forest
Wildlife in the Forest

Explore wildlife habitat requirements.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources forest-typesdocument
Wood Magic - A wood science curriculum for 14 to 18 year olds.
Wood Magic – A wood science curriculum for 14 to 18 year olds.

Wood science activities provided by Virginia Cooperative Extension for 14-18 year olds.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources wood-sciencedocument
Wood Magic - A wood science curriculum for 9 to 11 year olds.
Wood Magic – A wood science curriculum for 9 to 11 year olds.

Wood science activities provided by Virginia Cooperative Extension for 9-11 year olds.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources wood-sciencedocument

Contact Us

If you’re interested in a local group educational program, contact local DOF forester.

For more information or questions about adult forestry education, e-mail us or use our contact form.