The School Forest Program is successful as a result of the wonderful program partners that support School Forests throughout Minnesota. Below are a the main partners that the School Forest Program works with.
Conservation Corps Minnesota is a non-profit organization that operates natural resource work programs for youth and young adults. MCC crews are available to work on School Forest projects. They can help with a variety of site maintenance needs, from trails to erosion control. Some crews are also able to assist with environmental education instruction or field days.
Master Naturalists is a volunteer program that teaches adults about Minnesota`s natural resources- empowers them to educate others and provides opportunities to do conservation projects, including working with School Forests.
MinnAqua is a program of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designed to introduce students to lake and stream ecology by teaching them how to fish. The curriculum guide looks at habitats and ecosystems, Minnesota fish, water stewardship, managing Minnesota resources, and fishing equipment and techniques. A variety of games, activities, and simulations are used to promote stewardship of Minnesota's aquatic habitats.
Minnesota Forest Industry (MFI) supports teacher understanding of forestry in Minnesota through a variety of teacher resources – posters, paper making kits, online activities, and wood kits. The MFI grants focus funding on forestry related field trips, including support for visiting (buses) and teaching in (supplies) School Forest sites.
Project Learning Tree uses the forest as a "window" on the world to increase students' understanding of our environment, stimulate critical and creative thinking, develop the ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues, and foster a commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment. Since 1976, PLT has been helping students learn how to think, not what to think, about the environment. PLT materials are only available to workshop participants. Minnesota PLT materials include an early childhood supplement, a PreK-8 activity guide, five secondary guides, and focused materials on fire, energy, and teaching techniques.
Project WET's mission is to reach children, parents, educators, and communities of the world with water education. This goal is accomplished through the use of resource guides that promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water resources. Project WET materials are only available to workshop participants. Minnesota Project WET materials include a K-12 guide, water quality guides and test kits, and focused materials on wetlands, watersheds, and water conservation.
Project WILD's mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. Since 1983, Project WILD has helped students expand their knowledge of wildlife populations and animal management issues. Project WILD offers activities for teachers of early childhood through high school students. Project WILD materials are only available to workshop participants. Minnesota Project WILD materials include an early childhood supplement, a K-12 activity guide, high school guides, and focused materials on aquatic animals, elk, and birds.
The EE Portal @MAEE exists to share environmental education resources, jobs, and events with classroom teachers, naturalists, and non-formal educators in Minnesota.
Tree Care Advisors are volunteer educators and facilitators, enabling the University of Minnesota, other State agencies and community programs to more effectively help others help themselves. Tree Care Advisor volunteers provide communities in Minnesota support and enhance our urban and community forests.
U.S. Forest Service supports conservation education activities through out the country. The U.S. Forest Service has been a major funder of the Minnesota School Forest Program. They sponsor the Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl and other national education programs.
University of Minnesota Extension Service is the outreach and teaching arm of the University of Minnesota. Extension sponsors Best Practice for Environmental Field Days and many other teacher resources through their Environmental Science Education Unit.