FIT offers four week-long summer sessions at forested sites throughout Northern California.  Education curricula is aligned across all four sessions, with each session’s Natural Resource and Education Teams leveraging local issues and topics in forest ecology, management and stewardship to guide instruction. Staff and presenters include science and environmental education curriculum specialists, public and private forest resource specialists, and forest activists.

Participants receive standards-aligned pedagogical support, curricula and teaching resources to design a personal Curriculum Project related to the topics covered in each session.

Sessions Activities Include:

  • Field trips

  • Classroom instruction

  • Grade-band breakout groups

  • Project Learning Tree and Project WET activities

  • Collaboration time with peers

  • FIT Curriculum Project development time

FIT Summer Sessions


“First off, I heartily appreciate that FIT exists. The extensive background information presented, in addition to the teaching tools that were shared. made for a comprehensively visual experience. I am inspired by the staff, fellow participants, and the forest, to teach and continue learning about forestry.”

“I feel FIT is a wonderful program. I can tell that a lot of time, thought and consideration has gone into how the program is structured. My knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding our forests has increased dramatically. I appreciated hearing from people in the field (loggers, forest service, researchers, environmentalists, park service people, forester, industry people, etc.). I feel better prepared to share what I know and to bring forestry to my students.”

“I have never enjoyed a professional development like I did FIT.  It was an amazing experience that nurtured me professionally and personally! Thank you!”

“Loved seeing “forestry in action” (thinning, sawmill, managed plots). Also really enjoyed the facilitator led activities from PLT...I will hopefully use a lot of those. Also liked the networking and location.”

“Forest Institute for Teachers is an amazing week-long training that will send you home with a plethora of information (I presented the materials they provide at the workshop) and the confidence to teach in-depth forest and Wet Projects to your students. At first, I questioned my choice of signing up for this conference during my summer break and was so glad I followed through with the decision. I am willing to wager a dinner to anyone from the GRS Workshop who attends FIT and doesn't feel it was a great learning experience. The total cost was $25 and they fed us the most delicious food. I tell people who have been on cruise ships that this is like a cruise in the forest. I would suggest that you sign up with the Sonora site only as I have not visited the others. Five stars for the hospitality and knowledge of instructors.”


FIT-Focus: Fall Sessions