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.
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
Image | Title | ID | Description | Content Type | View | hf:tax:document-category | hf:tax:document-tags | hf:tax:Media |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A Tree for Me | Get to know details about a single tree. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
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. | Document | View | education forest-health public-information | diseases forest-health-impacts insect-and-disease-id insects | document | ||
Acorn and Nut Identification Guide | FT0060 | Forestry topic information sheet helps in identifying the most common acorns and nuts in Virginia to assist in the collection for our nursery. | Publication | View | education nurseries public-information | acorns-nuts forestry-topics tree-id | publication | |
Bark Types | Pictorial sheet showing the types of bark with photo samples of each. | Document | View | education public-information | kids-resources tree-id | document | ||
Basic Tree Identification | By Ellen Powell, Conservation Education Coordinator – Presentation reviews the basics of tree identification. | Presentation | View | education forest-management public-information training human-resources | tree-id | presentation | ||
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2019 Camper Slideshow | PowerPoint presentation of the camper slideshow for 2019 Camp Woods & Wildlife. (Warning – large file) | Presentation | View | education public-information | camp camp-woods-and-wildlife kids-resources | presentation | ||
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2022 Camper Slideshow | PowerPoint presentation of the camper slideshow for 2022 Camp Woods and Wildlife. (Warning – large file) | Presentation | View | education public-information | camp camp-woods-and-wildlife kids-resources | presentation | ||
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2023 Camper Slideshow | PowerPoint presentation of the camper slideshow for 2023 Camp Woods and Wildlife. (Warning – large file) | Presentation | View | education public-information | camp camp-woods-and-wildlife kids-resources | presentation | ||
Camp Wood & Wildlife 2024 Camper Slideshow | PowerPoint presentation of the camper slideshow for 2024 Camp Woods & Wildlife. (Warning – large file) | Presentation | View | education public-information | camp camp-woods-and-wildlife kids-resources | presentation | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | camp educator-resources kids-resources | publication | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | camp | publication | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | camp | publication | ||
Camp Woods and Wildlife Frequently Asked Questions | Information sheet of the most frequently asked questions about Camp Woods and Wildlife. | Document | View | education public-information | camp | document | ||
Camp Woods and Wildlife Postcard Advertising Camp | Camp Woods and Wildlife is typically held each year, normally in June. Printed copies available. | Publication | View | education public-information | camp educator-resources kids-resources | publication | ||
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources kids-resources tree-id | publication | |
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources kids-resources tree-id | publication | |
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide | 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 plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale. | Publication | View | education public-information | tree-id | publication | |
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 plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale. | Publication | View | education public-information | tree-id | publication | |
Could I Live Here? | Explore wildlife habitat requirements on the forest. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
Enjoy Nature Near You in Fall | F00003 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources kids-resources nature-near-you | publication | |
Enjoy Nature Near You in Spring | F00001 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources kids-resources nature-near-you | publication | |
Enjoy Nature Near You in Summer | F00002 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources kids-resources nature-near-you | publication | |
Enjoy Nature Near You in Winter | F00004 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources kids-resources nature-near-you | publication | |
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. | Document | View | education public-information | kids-resources | document | ||
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. | Video | View | education forest-management water-quality public-information | kids-resources timber-harvesting | video | ||
Forest Facts: Forestry in Virginia | F00010 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Forestry in Virginia – Crossword Puzzle | F00010A | Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Forestry in Virignia publication. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: How A Tree Grows | F00005 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: How A Tree Grows – Crossword Puzzle | F00005A | Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts How a Tree Grows publication. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Identifying Trees | F00008 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Identifying Trees – Crossword Puzzle | F00008A | Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Identifying Trees publication. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Trees and Wildlife | F00012 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Trees and Wildlife – Crossword Puzzle | F00012A | Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Trees and Wildlife publication. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Trees Protect Water | F00007 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Trees Protect Water – Crossword Puzzle | F00007A | Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Trees Protect Water publication. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Virginia in the Fall | F00009 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources fall-foliage forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Virginia in the Fall – Crossword Puzzle | F00009A | Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Virginia in the Fall publication. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Virginia’s Alien Invaders | F00011 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Virginia’s Alien Invaders Crossword Puzzle | F00011A | Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Virginia’s Alien Invaders publication. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Why We Need Trees | F00006 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Facts: Why We Need Trees – Crossword Puzzle | F00006A | Crossword puzzle tests knowledge learned from the Forest facts Why We Need Trees publication. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources forest-facts kids-resources | publication | |
Forest Sense | Use the senses to discover and describe the forest. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
Forest Succession | Understand the process of plant succession in forests. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Forest Types Background | Descriptions and background information on forest types. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Forest Types Glossary | Supplemental glossary for forest types lessons | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Forest Types in Virginia Map | Map shows the major forest types in Virginia. | Graphic, Map | View | education forest-inventory-analysis forest-management public-information resource-information | forest-types graphics | graphic map | ||
Forest Types Map | Virginia map showing coverage of forest types | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Forest Types Photos | Photos of Virginia’s major forest types | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Forest Types Series Overview | See a list of lessons in the forest types series. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Going, Going, Gone | Research forest types that are now uncommon in Virginia. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | camp educator-resources | publication | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | camp educator-resources | publication | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | camp educator-resources | publication | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | camp educator-resources | publication | ||
ID That Tree – Central Virginia | Identify trees of central Virginia. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
ID That Tree – Conway-Robinson & Whitney State Forests | Identify trees of northern Virginia. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
ID That Tree – Matthews State Forest | Identify trees of western Virginia. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
ID That Tree – Zoar State Forest | Identify trees of eastern Virginia. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
Let’s Learn About Trees Coloring Book | P00215 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | educator-resources kids-resources | publication | |
Matthews State Forest Deer Hunting Workshop and Mentored Hunt 2024 | Flyer advertising the Matthews State Forest Hunting Workshop and Mentored Hunt September 14 and September 28, 2024. | Document | View | education state-forests public-information | hunting matthews-sf | document | ||
Measuring Up | Use several methods to measure tree height and diameter. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
Nature Activities for Families | Listing of free online Project Learning Tree materials and resources for nature activities for families. | Document | View | education public-information | kids-resources | document | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | careers kids-resources | publication | ||
Pests Gone Wild | Learn about invasive species that impact forests and explore solutions. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
Plots and Plans | Collect data about features of a forest plot. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
Soils and Forests | Explore the role of soils in determining forest type. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Success(ion) Stories | Learn about plant succession in a typical Virginia forest. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
The Future Forest | Observe regeneration to predict the future makeup of a forest. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
The Hidden Forest | Learn about the value of urban forests. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Threats to Forests | Understand threats to Virginia’s forests. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
Tree City USA Bulletins and Resources | This Arbor Day Foundation webpage provides access to many Tree City USA Bulletins offering a vast array of information about all things trees and community forestry. | Resource | View | education urban-and-community-forestry public-information | resource | |||
Tree Photo Cards | Photos of trees from the identification keys in this lesson series. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
Tree Trunk – Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest | Forest information for Appomattox-Buckingham Tree Trunk | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
Tree Trunk – Conway-Robinson State Forest | Forest information for Conway-Robinson Tree Trunk | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
Tree Trunk – Cumberland State Forest | Forest Information for Cumberland Tree Trunk | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
Tree Trunk – Matthews State Forest | Forest information for Matthews Tree Trunk | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
Tree Trunk – Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest | Forest Information for Prince Edward-Gallion Tree Trunk | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
Tree Trunk – Whitney State Forest | Forest Information for Whitney Tree Trunk | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
Tree Trunk – Zoar State Forest | Forest Information for Zoar Tree Trunk | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources state-forest-education tree-trunks | document | ||
Tree Trunk Activity Overview | List and brief descriptions of lesson plans in the State Forest Tree Trunks series | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources tree-trunks | document | ||
Trees are Renewable! | A mini-curriculum for the book “Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?” | Publication | View | education public-information | kids-resources | publication | ||
Virginia Forest Cover Types | In this lesson series, middle school and high school students will explore the forest types in their area and across the state. They will gain an understanding of how climate, soils and human actions influence the forest. They will observe how forests in Virginia have changed and continue to change over time. They will learn about threats to forests and address the challenges involved in managing and maintaining them. The lessons incorporate small group work, field data collection, computer applications and discussion. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | forest-cover forest-types | document | ||
Virginia’s Least Wanted – Emerald Ash Borer | PST003 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | emerald-ash-borer kids-resources poster | publication | |
Virginia’s Least Wanted – Invasive Plants | PST004 | Poster helps identify invasive plants, which threaten our forest ecosystems. Designed for 24 in. x 36 in. poster. Target audience: Youth – elementary age. | Publication | View | education public-information | invasive-species invasive-species-identification kids-resources poster | publication | |
Virginia’s Least Wanted – Thousand Cankers Disease | PST005 | 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. | Publication | View | education public-information | kids-resources poster thousand-cankers-disease | publication | |
What Grows Where | Determine why forest types vary from place to place. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
What Would You Do? | Make decisions about forest management. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
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. | Publication | View | education public-information | kids-resources | publication | |
Wildlife in the Forest | Explore wildlife habitat requirements. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources forest-types | document | ||
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. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources wood-science | document | ||
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. | Document | View | education lesson-plans public-information | educator-resources wood-science | document |
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.