Grade Level: 5th grade and up
Duration: 30–40 minutes

Theme: Understanding invasive forest insects and how to slow their spread

This interactive board game teaches students about four invasive pests: Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and Spotted Lanternfly. Students learn to identify the pests and their signs, understand how human actions contribute to spread, and explore ways to slow infestations and report findings.

Forest Protectors 

• Lesson plan
• Background cards
• Game instructions
• Game board
• Player markers
• Challenge cards
• Game changer cards
• Clue cards
• Detective cards 

Note: If you are outside Vermont, adapt the reporting information to your state.

Printing Instructions

Challenge & Game Changer Cards

1. Print the card fronts.
2. Reload sheets in the paper tray in the correct orientation.
3. Print the matching card backs (choose either 8-card or 4-card template).

Clue Cards

1. Set to portrait orientation.
2. Select “Fit” or “Fit to Page.”
3. Print a test sheet to check flip settings (long edge vs. short edge).
4. Adjust and print the full set.