The WAC Forestry Program – in partnership with the New York City DEP and the USDA Forest Service – offers a suite of educational programs for classroom teachers, non-formal educators, and students in New York City and the New York City Watershed regions that explore the connections between land, water, and people, with a special focus on how healthy forests protect water quality. Programs teach educators and students about the critical role forests play in watersheds and highlight how individuals and communities can be active stewards of their watershed environments.

Key learning objectives are to understand: 1) watershed form and function 2) the New York City water supply system 3) how healthy forests filter and protect water quality, and 4) the past, present and future human dimensions of the NYC Watershed.

We offer 4 core program areas:

1. Watershed Forestry Institute for Teachers – A summer institute that informs, inspires and equips 4-12^th grade teachers by immersing them in a hands-on exploration of New York City Watershed forestry.
2. Watershed Forestry Educator Community of Practice – We celebrate and support our network of educators by providing information, resources and ongoing trainings on our Teacher Resources Webpage and through our education e-newsletter, which you can sign up for HERE.
3. Watershed Forestry Field Trip Program – A competitive grant program that helps plan and pay for 4 different types of watershed forestry themed field trips in the NYC Watershed. We also offer free Virtual Field Trips.
4. Green Connections – A competitive grant program that supports classroom partnerships that meaningfully connect students from NYC and the upstate NYC Watershed through personal communications and shared experiences. Choose from 2 program options that require different levels of teacher commitment.

Questions? Contact [email protected].