Humans, the Environment, and the Great Plains

Trees on the Plains: A Living Snowfence

Background:

Trees can play an important role in rural areas. As a living snowfence, trees can protect roads and highways as well as provide habitat cover for wildlife and protection for livestock. This lesson plan's activity gives students hands on experience in planting trees as well as being involved in community projects.

Objective:

This lesson plan demonstrates the importance of trees in rural areas through the planting of a living snow fence. Students will be able to:

• Explain the importance of a living snowfence in a rural setting.
• Sequence the steps in planting trees for a living snowfence.
• Exhibit the ability to work in a group, and get involved in a community service project.
• Demonstrate the proper way to plant a living snowfence that works.

Plan:

1. Have students brainstorm ways trees can be useful in rural areas.
2. Invite an extension agent or an official from the Forest Service to talk about the importance of trees in rural areas.
3. Use math activities to figure how many trees it will take for the project. Figure how far from the highway the trees will need to be planted to keep the snow off the road. Predict the percentage of trees that will survive.
4. Take a class field trip to the area that the living snowfence is to be planted. Using the team approach, actually plant the trees.
5. After returning to the classroom, use writing activities to highlight the experience.

Testing, Grading, and Evaluation:

This activity will spark interest in the students as to how trees can be of importance to the school playground. Other public projects can include planting a snowfence for the local area landfill or the public park. It can be an excellent way to work with area farmers and county officials. Finally, introduce the concept of a "Tree City."

Adapted from The Importance of Trees in Rural Areas by Wilma Jean Lunt, Parkview Elementary, Lamar, Colorado

Primary Course: Social Studies

Applicable Grades: 3 - 5

Materials Needed: "The Living Tree" brochure from Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Project, forest service personnel, slides from forest service or from county extension agent, materials for planting trees, trees

Related Courses: Math, Geography

Time Required: Three 1-hour sessions

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