Trees In Our Park
Why teach kids about trees?
The children of greater New Bedford have a wonderful resource in Buttonwood Park’s stately, beautiful trees. But young children are now spending less time outdoors and instead are on their electronic devices an average of 6 hours a day. There’s a lack of awareness of the beauty and value of our park, particularly among our youngest residents.
That’s why The Friends of Buttonwood Park started the “Trees In Our Park” education program. Using educational tree walks, Trees In Our Park acquaints local children with the wonderful green oasis in their urban midst.
The Friends’ volunteer tree guides lead youngsters on a one-hour walking tour. During the program, children learn about the 14 different species of trees in the Buttonwood Park arboretum. Each child receives an illustrated companion guide to help them identify trees when they visit the park with their families.
Since 2003, more than 4,000 greater New Bedford elementary school children have participated in an educational tree walk. Through Trees In Our Park, the Friends is providing hands-on learning opportunities to help foster a lifelong love of the natural world.
Since 2003, more than 3,500 greater New Bedford elementary school children have participated in an educational tree walk with The Friends of Buttonwood Park.
Schedule a Trees In Our Park program
Fill out the form below to schedule a program for your class