Teachers: Plan Your Visit

Teachers, use the information below to help plan an Eco-tour for your class.

Are there different tours for different age groups?

Yes. TreePeople offers two Eco-tour programs tailored to different grade levels:

“The Secrets of the City Forest” – Kindergarten and 1st grade

This 1½-hour program takes students on a gentle hike to: visit the Dirt Doctor’s laboratory, receive a message from Waterdrop, discover trash-reducing items in our Treasure Chest, and plant tree seeds to grow the city forest. Through interactive games and activities, students learn secrets about the city forest and how they can help it thrive. Each participant plants a seedling to take home (tree-care instructions included).

“In Search of the Treasure Rings” – 2nd-5th grade

This 2½-hour program takes students on a treasure hunt in search of six Treasure Rings that symbolize natural cycles existing in the city forest. Students visit the Dirt Doctor’s laboratory, have a ball playing the Air Exchange game and simulate rainstorms in our Urban Watershed Garden. The experience results in a better understanding of the city forest and how everyone can help it thrive. Each student also plants a seedling to take home (tree-care instructions included).

Does TreePeople supply curriculum materials?

Yes. Eco-tours are not just beneficial for your students. They also provide you with a model environmental education curriculum, The Magical City Forest, which is aligned with California’s academic content standards.

Included are 24 interrelated activities that help you integrate hands-on learning into your classroom. These activities motivate children to take positive action in their environment through observation, inference, critical thinking and imaginative games. The curriculum also encourages you to use your campus as a laboratory for learning.

When do the tours take place?

Eco-tours take place Monday through Friday, September through June and on limited days during the summer. Tours begin at 10:00 a.m.

Can students eat lunch at the park?

Your class is welcome to bring a snack or lunch to enjoy at our picnic tables before or after your tour. We encourage groups to bring low- or zero-waste lunch in a canvas bag or lunchbox.

Who leads the tours?

TreePeople employs a staff of well-trained Eco-tour guides. Meet our educators.

How much do the tours cost?

The Eco-tour fee is $5/child; teachers and parents are free. Contributions from donors ensure that TreePeople will continue to provide this high-quality educational program in the future. Limited scholarships are available.

How can you sign up to bring your class?

Eco-tours are extremely popular so we encourage you to book early in the school year to avoid disappointment. Please contact the Elementary Education office at elementaryed@treepeople.org or (818) 623-4859 with your preferred dates, and the number and grade level of your students.