Today, many strive to live in balance with nature, whether by walking in the forest or planting a tree in their backyard. Teaching the next generation to do the same is crucial for healthy ecosystems and forests! But who are the environmental stewards behind this pivotal outreach and education? Meet Caroline Paul, a Project Learning Tree facilitator and the Colorado State Forest Service 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
Connecting with Colorado’s youth
Project Learning Tree is an outreach program employed by the CSFS that uses trees and forests to connect people with their environment. Volunteers are an integral part of the program by leading trainings and events throughout the state. By providing professional development events for educators, PLT facilitators reach thousands of youth. This helps increase the public’s awareness around trees, deepen their connection with our state’s forests and motivate action to achieve the CSFS mission of stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations. Remember to thank the next volunteer you see!
Caroline’s journey to PLT
Caroline is one of these awesome PLT volunteers. Her background is in teaching college students, focusing on environmental education. She taught at the Catamount Center, a non-profit organization inspiring ecological stewardship in Woodland Park, Colo. Caroline was eager to join PLT after she joined a tour of Casey’s Lumber, learning how ties to the forest products industry can be shared with educators and youth. Caroline soon applied to become a facilitator, and she completed facilitator training last February-April. Caroline’s initiative and drive were quickly recognized by those around her, and her contributions since then have left an incredible impact on PLT!
Just a few of Caroline’s achievements
Caroline has made huge strides in her work as a facilitator, from cohosting successful trainings to designing the workshops themselves. Give it up for Caroline, and check out her accomplishments:
- Co-hosted a game-changing workshop in Colorado Springs; 100 percent of participants left feeling ready to use the magic of PLT for their students!
- Energized Colorado College students with her effectively designed workshop, preparing future educators in the field of environmental education
- Ran a booth at the El Paso County Fair, enlightening visitors about the CSFS mission through educational activities
- Contributed to a team at the annual conference for Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, co-crafting a training around Social/Emotional Learning
- Helped increase visibility of PLT and CSFS among non-formal educators across Colorado
In recognition of her initiative and drive that has helped the CSFS expand our reach to numerous educators, families and youth through PLT, Caroline Paul has been chosen as the 2023 CSFS Volunteer of the Year. Thank you, Caroline, for all that you do and the impact you have on the future of our environment and young learners.
