Boise National Forest

Conservation Education

For Kids | For Teachers | For Scout Leaders |

For Kids

Explorer Program

From fishing in a cool mountain lake to camping under the stars, our mission is to help children and families re-connect with the great outdoors, while building the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

Visit the forest using your computer!
See what you can find in the forest. Ready? Let's Take a Hike!

Read the Natural Inquirer!

A publication for teachers and students that focuses on scientists and research. Check it out!

Teacher Resources

The Boise National Forest offers a Tree Trunk and Wilderness Box to help you teach about forest plants, animals, and management. The wide range of materials in each box appeal to many grade levels. Here's an idea of what these kits contain:

Tree Trunk

Discover subtle differences in cones, leaves and twigs using the samples in the trunk. Tree cross-sections show the inside of a tree; use Project Learning Tree activity (included) to help students analyze annual growth rings. Books and posters provide additional background information for teachers and students. Watch the video The Man Who Planted Trees to hear of one man's ancient kinship with the Earth. Listen to songs about photosynthesis, decomposition, and plant parts sung by the Banana Slug String Band and Billy B. Read Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf aloud to students. Find ideas for lessons in Ranger Rick's Naturescope, The Green Scene Guide, or Project Learning Tree activity samples.

Wilderness Box

The Wilderness Box and the Wilderness and Land Ethic Activity Book were designed to provide an interactive resource to promote awareness and appreciation of wilderness. Watch the Wild By Law video for a 50 minute overview of the wilderness movement leading up to the 1964 Wilderness Act. Use hand puppets to learn about mammals common to many wilderness areas. Compare the skulls of herbivores and carnivores. Practice simple map and compass skills. View photos of pristine areas in Idaho Magnificent Wilderness. Act out the Impact Monster skit or watch the Soft Paths video to show low impact travel. (The resources in this box support the Wilderness and Land Ethic activity book included in the box. However, you do not need to use the activity book to use the resources.)

The boxes are loaned for a two-week period. To reserve the boxes or for more information contact: Education Coordinator at 373-4100.

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Scout Leader Resources

Tree Trunk

Look at bark and cone specimens from common forest trees of Idaho. Look at tree cross-sections and tree growth posters to learn how trees grow.

Wilderness Box

Promotes awareness and appreciation of Wilderness.

The Wilderness Box includes an activity book. Look for activities on how to Leave No Trace, packing a backpack, or making gorp. Practice simple map and compass skills. Act out the Impact Monster skit or watch the Soft Paths video to show low impact travel. Watch the Wild By Law video for a 50 minute overview of the wilderness movement leading up to the 1964 Wilderness Act.

The boxes are loaned for a two-week period. To reserve the boxes or for more information contact: Education Coordinator at 373-4100.

Visit the Leave No Trace Web site for more information on teaching Leave No Trace principles and ethics.

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US Forest Service - Boise National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 16 July 2008 at 11:46:57 EDT