Lesson Plans

Forest Facts

Forest Facts are publications on forestry topics, geared to grades 3-7, with crossword puzzles that may be used for assessment.

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Forest Facts: Identifying Trees - Crossword Puzzle
Forest Facts: Identifying Trees – Crossword PuzzleF00008A

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Virginia Forest Cover Types

This lesson series contains 8 lesson plans, along with supporting overview, map, photos, and glossary, to teach middle and high school students about Virginia’s forest diversity, influences, history, threats, and management challenges. The lessons incorporate small group work, field data collection, computer applications, and discussion.

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
Forest Succession
Forest Succession

Understand the process of plant succession in forests.

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Forest Types Background
Forest Types Background

Descriptions and background information on forest types.

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Forest Types Glossary
Forest Types Glossary

Supplemental glossary for forest types lessons

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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-informationgraphic map
Forest Types Map
Forest Types Map

Virginia map showing coverage of forest types

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Forest Types Photos
Forest Types Photos

Photos of Virginia’s major forest types

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Forest Types Series Overview
Forest Types Series Overview

See a list of lessons in the forest types series.

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Going, Going, Gone
Going, Going, Gone

Research forest types that are now uncommon in Virginia.

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Soils and Forests
Soils and Forests

Explore the role of soils in determining forest type.

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The Hidden Forest
The Hidden Forest

Learn about the value of urban forests.

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Threats to Forests
Threats to Forests

Understand threats to Virginia’s forests.

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Virginia Forest Cover Types - Poster
Virginia Forest Cover Types – Poster

Poster maps the various forest types in Virginia and is 24 in. x 36 in. Printed copies available.

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What Grows Where
What Grows Where

Determine why forest types vary from place to place.

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What Would You Do?
What Would You Do?

Make decisions about forest management.

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Wildlife in the Forest
Wildlife in the Forest

Explore wildlife habitat requirements.

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State Forest Tree Trunks

State Forest Tree Trunks support field trips to a state forest or other forested areas. Educators can preview the lesson plans on this website and borrow a tree trunk to enhance their field trip experience. The activities in the tree trunks encourage student interaction and inquiry about many aspects of the forest.

Locations and How to Borrow

Tree trunks may be checked out free of charge for use on the following state Forests, or areas nearby. E-mail us with the forest name in the subject line.

  • Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest (Appomattox and Buckingham counties)
  • Cumberland State Forest (Cumberland County)
  • Prince-Edward-Gallion State Forest (Prince Edward County, south of Farmville)
  • Conway Robinson (Prince William County, near Gainesville)
  • Matthews State Forest (Carroll County, near Galax)
  • Whitney State Forest (Fauquier County, near Warrenton)
  • Zoar State Forest (King William County, near Aylett)

Tree Trunk Lesson Plans

Educators are encouraged to preview or download forest information and lesson plans prior to planning a trip. (A notebook in each tree trunk contains written copies of the lesson plans.) Teachers can modify lessons for multiple grade levels.

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

Get to know details about a single tree.

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Could I Live Here?
Could I Live Here?

Explore wildlife habitat requirements on the forest.

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Forest Sense
Forest Sense

Use the senses to discover and describe the forest.

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ID That Tree - Central Virginia
ID That Tree – Central Virginia

Identify trees of central Virginia.

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ID That Tree - Conway-Robinson & Whitney State Forests
ID That Tree – Conway-Robinson & Whitney State Forests

Identify trees of northern Virginia.

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ID That Tree - Matthews State Forest
ID That Tree – Matthews State Forest

Identify trees of western Virginia.

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ID That Tree - Zoar State Forest
ID That Tree – Zoar State Forest

Identify trees of eastern Virginia.

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Measuring Up
Measuring Up

Use several methods to measure tree height and diameter.

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Pests Gone Wild
Pests Gone Wild

Learn about invasive species that impact forests and explore solutions.

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Plots and Plans
Plots and Plans

Collect data about features of a forest plot.

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Success(ion) Stories
Success(ion) Stories

Learn about plant succession in a typical Virginia forest.

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The Future Forest
The Future Forest

Observe regeneration to predict the future makeup of a forest.

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Tree Photo Cards
Tree Photo Cards

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

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Tree Trunk - Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Tree Trunk – Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

Forest information for Appomattox-Buckingham Tree Trunk

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Tree Trunk - Conway-Robinson State Forest
Tree Trunk – Conway-Robinson State Forest

Forest information for Conway-Robinson Tree Trunk

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Tree Trunk - Cumberland State Forest
Tree Trunk – Cumberland State Forest

Forest Information for Cumberland Tree Trunk

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Tree Trunk - Matthews State Forest
Tree Trunk – Matthews State Forest

Forest information for Matthews Tree Trunk

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Tree Trunk - Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest
Tree Trunk – Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest

Forest Information for Prince Edward-Gallion Tree Trunk

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Tree Trunk - Whitney State Forest
Tree Trunk – Whitney State Forest

Forest Information for Whitney Tree Trunk

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Tree Trunk - Zoar State Forest
Tree Trunk – Zoar State Forest

Forest Information for Zoar Tree Trunk

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Tree Trunk Activity Overview
Tree Trunk Activity Overview

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

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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
Could I Live Here?
Could I Live Here?

Explore wildlife habitat requirements on the forest.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationeducator-resources tree-trunksdocument
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 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
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
Measuring Up
Measuring Up

Use several methods to measure tree height and diameter.

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

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