Dive Even Deeper: Trees, Watersheds, and Streams
- Length
- 6 hours, 30 minutes
- Language
- English
- Event Format
- In-Person
About the In-Person Workshop
"Dive Even Deeper: Trees, Watersheds, and Streams" extends Penn State Extension's award-winning Dive Deeper Water Educators Summit, advancing educators' skills in Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE). This two-day professional learning workshop offers a deeper, structured Ambassador training pathway and immersive, hands-on instruction on tree species identification, site selection, planting protocols, and stream health assessment. Participants will work directly with field-tested tools, including a practical planning checklist to support successful school and community tree planting projects. The workshop emphasizes inquiry-driven learning, place-based environmental literacy, and clear project design strategies that educators can bring back to their classrooms and local watersheds.
Penn State Extension, the Ag and Environment Center, Pennsylvania Sea Grant, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources invite educators from across Pennsylvania to a two-day, interactive watershed learning event built around the MWEE framework. Participants will explore stream ecosystems through the First Investigation of Stream Health (FISH) and gain practical tools for classroom and field instruction, including a ready-to-use Tree Planting Checklist for Teachers. The program emphasizes hands-on investigation, place-based learning, and instructional strategies that help educators translate watershed science into meaningful student experiences. Designed to strengthen environmental literacy and support curriculum planning, this professional learning opportunity equips educators with tested resources and actionable checklists to guide stream health inquiry and school-based tree planting projects. Registration includes light refreshments and lunch each day.
Participants Should Bring
- Water bottle
- Work gloves
- Closed-toe shoes
- Wading boots or waders
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Earn Credits
Pennsylvania certified teachers can earn up to 12 Act 48 hours, plus an additional eight hours for completing the 3-hour MWEE 101 online course before the workshop. To receive Pennsylvania MWEE Ambassador certification, participants must take part and engage fully in both days of in-person instruction. Educators earning certification will be recognized as Pennsylvania MWEE Ambassadors and gain access to program materials supporting tree identification and planting procedures, providing practical guidance for successful youth tree planting projects in school and community settings.
This material is based on work supported by NOAA Grant No. NA25NMFX457C0017-T1-01.
Funding for the First Investigation of Stream Health portion of this workshop is provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Education Grant program. The registration fee collected supports the cost of refreshments and meals provided during the workshop.
Space is limited. Preregistration is required.
- Classroom teachers
- School administrators
- Other education partners serving K–12 students in Pennsylvania
- About the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE)
- The role trees play in protecting watersheds
- How to use Penn State Extension's Tree Planting Checklist for youth projects
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