Project Learning Tree on Campus
by Marcia Wilson
Project Learning Tree: What is it?
Bringing the Outdoors, Inside.
On May 11, Project Learning Tree (PLT) came to CPTC’s Lakewood campus for a day of training that enriched educators with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) continuing education hours. This gathering was directly related to the enthusiastic response of educators who came to CPTC in February of 2023.
Project Learning Tree is a program of the Sustainable Forest Initiative, an important nonprofit that recognizes that the future of forests depends on environmental literacy and sustainable solutions. In PLT’s own words, they are “growing the next generation of environmental stewards.” 
PLT works with the Pacific Education Institute (PEI), a STEM-based organization. It supports Washington State educators with professional learning and FieldSTEM® implementation. FieldSTEM® is the PEI’s signature model; it brings “career connected, locally relevant, integrated, field-based education.”
Thus, teachers and educators and those who work with youth are given tools and training to bring contextual awareness of the natural environment. Some of their projects include Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State, school garden plantings, and volunteering for the Washington Pest Watch,
Above: Among the participants was Sharon Seabrook, the Lakewood Library’s Youth Services Librarian. She visits the CPTC Learning Resource Center on Thursdays, spreading her love of books to the children from the Hayes Center.
