Cultivating a Community of Forest Stewards through invasive plant workdays
Getting young people (aka future land stewards) learning about, involved in, and making a difference towards protecting Vermont forests is integral to any long-term conservation strategy. Invasive plant management is a fun, easy way to get young people involved.
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation Invasive Plant Program and the Winooski Valley Park District have collaborated on a comprehensive Youth Volunteer Program Guide. This guide is the result of years of experience planning and hosting invasive plant management workdays for youth of all ages in school, after-school, and camp settings. Here, you can view or download the comprehensive guide as a single resource and/or by topic.
Who is this guide for? This guide and associated resources are for anyone who wants to run an invasive plant removal event with young people.
Download the Complete Guide
the guide by topic
- Getting Started
- Running a Program
- Lesson Plans for the Classroom
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These are examples of lesson plans that should help in preparation for, or support after, a workday. For other lesson plans, check out the complete lesson plan library.
Back in the Classroom.......................................................... writing and outreach prompts to get you started
Coloring Sheets ............................................ includes invasive plants, insects, and animals plus information
Cooking With Invasive Plants and a Cookbook .................................................a lesson plan and a cookbook
Invasive Plant Posters ..................................................................... "wanted" posters, but for invasive plants
Design Your Own Invasive Plant ....make an imaginary invasive plant & choose which adaptations to include
- Activities for Invasive Plant Workdays
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These are examples of activities that are good for use during a workday, to break up the day. For other activities, check out the complete lesson plan library.
Group Story ...................................................................... participants present words/phrases in a group story
Group Presentations ................................................. participants creatively present concepts or vocab words
Invasive Plant Tag .......................................... run, don't walk, to see how invasive plants impact ecosystems
Migratory Bird Long Jump ............................................ jumping game shows how invasive plants effect birds
No Teeth ............................................ a hilarious "telephone"-inspired game using invasive plant terminology
Plant Memory and Printable Cards ......................................................... the game of memory, but with plants
- Other Resources & Appendices
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Appendix A: Example Checklists
Appendix B: Example Schedules
Appendix C: Example Forms and Example Certificates of Appreciation
Appendix D: Example Leader Packet and Example Volunteer Packet
Appendix E: Supporting Materials for Classroom Learning
- Lesson Plan Library
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