Pine
Tree State Arboretum
Outdoor Education Programs
The
Pine Tree State Arboretum offers a unique educational opportunity for Maine
students at all grade levels. There is a wide selection of activities available
for each of our 11 outdoor classrooms. After your program, enjoy the extensive
plant collections, woodlands and hiking trails. Stay for a picnic lunch.
- Cost
is $2.50 per child- $35 group minimum for each program.
- Groups
must provide one teacher or adult chaperone for every six students. Come
prepared for the weather - it can be chilly anytime of the year. Long pants,
sturdy boots, and layers - such as sweaters and wind breakers that can be
added or removed, are recommended. While not all our trails are wheelchair
accessible there are programs and activities available for students with
disabilities.
- Learn
from knowledgeable staff and volunteers skilled in outdoor lore, plant identification,
animal life, and wetlands.
Inquiries
& Reservations
Phone: 621-0031 or email: ptsaedu@adelphia.net
Program
Times:
- K
- 1 programs last up to 1 hour.
- 2
- 12 programs last up to 1½ hours.
- Programs
include orientation and an introduction to the Arboretum and time to hike
to an outdoor classroom.
- Held
weekdays during May, June, September and October.
- Programs
start at 10:00.
- Or,
schedule time to lead your own tour.
The
PTSA Outdoor Education Center Learning Guide is available for purchase from
the Arboretum. The Learning Guide activities are correlated to the Maine State
Learning Results.
In case of inclement weather - call ahead to confirm
or cancel your program: 621-0031
This
is a sample of programs for a range of grade levels. Call for more information.
ARBORETUM
TOUR
- A
walking tour of the Arboretum's trails, plant collections and historic sites;
includes discovery of seasonal highlights. (K-12)
WILDLIFE
- Wildlife
Habitat - After an introduction to the concept of habitat and its components
(food, water, shelter and space), students will explore either a forest
or pond habitat to look for evidence of animals that live there.(K-8)
- Ecosystems
- An introduction to the concept of ecosystem and it's components. (4-8)
WATER
- Pond
Life - A hands-on exploration and identification of the macroinvertebrates
in Viles Pond. Water quality will be discussed based on the findings. (3-12)
- Wetland
Studies - Students will learn about the different functions of wetlands
through the power of metaphor, by comparing everyday objects to the roles
wetlands play. Includes a walking tour of our wetland area. (1-9)
PLANTS
- Seed
Dispersal - Students will learn all about seeds and seed dispersal during
a fall nature walk. (K-8)
- Succession
Search - Students will learn the concepts of plant succession as they explore
different stages and zones of succession. (3-8)
- Tree
Identification - An introduction to the major tree types in Maine. Students
will have practice using a key to identify 11 common deciduous and coniferous
trees native to Maine. (K-12)
- Insects
& Diseases - Insects and other organisms use trees for food, shelter
and reproduction. During a walking tour, students will look for evidence
of these. (4-12)
FORESTRY
- Forest
Products - Students will explore the some of the many products that come
directly or indirectly from trees. (K-8)
- Forest
Measurement - Learn how foresters determine the age, height and diameter
of trees. Forestry tools such as an increment borer, diameter tape, and
will be demonstrated.(3-12)
- Forest
Management - Learn about harvest methods, timber stand improvement and reforestation
at the Arboretum's Tree Farm Demonstration area. (4-12)
Special
arrangements can be made for:
- SOILS
AND GEOLOGY
- RECREATION
PLANNING
- COMMUNITY
FORESTRY
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