Idaho Project Learning Tree

Don't miss this opportunity - send in your students' essays by tomorrow!

Reminder to all Idaho 4th Graders! This is Your Chance to Help Light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree!

Do you know a fourth-grade student in Idaho with something to say about the importance of our forests and clean water?

✏️ Essay prompt: “Why are healthy forests and clean water in Idaho important?”

📝 Essays must be 350–500 words.

📅 Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Electronic submissions: due by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time
Handwritten submissions: must be received by 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time

The winning student will have the incredible opportunity to travel with family to Washington, D.C. and participate in the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in early December.

Submit your entry: https://form.jotform.com/262505633140044
Read the FAQs for more information! https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/youth-tree-lighter/

U.S. Forest Service - Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

In PLT’s activity Environmental Health for All / Salud Ambiental para Todos from the Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide (available in English & Spanish), students dive into the issue of environmental health by looking at various case studies and propose actions to address local issues. This World Environmental Health Day, have students identify and research environmental health issues within your state such as water quality. Check out these helpful resources to use with the activity! https://www.plt.org/activity-resources/grades-6-8-activity-environmental-justice-for-all/

Available in select communities across Idaho. Request a visit at idahoforests.org/education

Learn more and submit student entries at idahoforests.org/writingcontest

Check it out at idahoforests.org/education
Idaho Science Coaches

This World Ozone Day have students explore and analyze trends in atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide through The Global Climate / El Clima Global activity from Project Learning Tree’s Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide (available in English & Spanish). Check out these other helpful resources to teach learners about changes in our climate: https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/what-is-causing-changes-in-our-climate/

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with PLT’s new Explora tu Ambiente: Guía de Actividades K-8. Discover nature and teach math, language arts, science and more! https://www.plt.org/news/explora-tu-ambiente

Apply at idahoforests.org/grants
Idaho Science Coaches

This year's Capitol Christmas Tree is coming from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in central Idaho! There are lots of ways to get your students and community involved:

🌲Have students decorate an ornament. Visit uscapitolchristmastree.com/make-an-ornament to learn more.
🌲Join community celebrations this fall as the tree travels to DC. Tour stops coming soon!
🌲Join our webinar “Beyond the Tree: Idaho's Forest Products.” October 21, 3:30pm PT / 4:30pm MT. Register at idahoforests.org/plt

PC: 2025 Photo Contest HM, Kaylee Roskelley, 10th grade