STATE — The Maine Timber Research and Environmental Education Foundation (Maine TREE) nationally acclaimed Forests of Maine Teachers’ Tours haven been scheduled for 2022. The four-day, three-night Forests of Maine Teachers’ Tour is a professional development program focused on immersing Maine educators in the northern forests of Maine. Opening with a workshop featuring Project Learning Tree, an award-winning, standards-aligned curriculum that uses forests as a teaching tool, the tour explores sustainable forest management through the eyes of many stakeholders including landowners, foresters, loggers, mills, and community members.

Two tour options are available in 2022: a Maine’s Western Mountains forest tour, from July 12-15, based out of Sugarloaf; or a Western Maine forest tour, from July 26-29, based out of The Bethel Inn. Due to the remaining restrictions from Maine CDC and our host venues, Maine TREE is limiting attendees at both of these events and, unlike in previous years, is using an application process to select participants. Preference will be given to those familiar with, or currently using, environmental or place-based education tools or those who have access to forested areas at their schools. All applicants commit to following all safety and health requirements established by Maine TREE at the start of each tour.

Those interested in applying can do so at https://forms.gle/gYQv9eBHQNsm4C8K8 or you can contact us with questions at [email protected] or (207) 621-9872. The application deadline is April 15, and notifications will be made by the end of April. Once accepted, a $150 registration fee will be required. Your support will help Maine TREE and its programs deliver forest-related educational opportunities to communities throughout Maine.