How do forests support communities, economies, and ecosystems? A new free online course developed by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s (SFI) educational branch, Project Learning Tree (PLT) and Texas A&M Forest Service, with support from the USDA Forest Service, offers practical knowledge to deepen understanding and engagement around the values and benefits of forests.

The course was designed to provide information for educators, forestry and conservation professionals, and sustainability leaders to help strengthen community connections to forests and forest literacy. SFI reports that the course was built in collaboration with the foundation of PLT’s Forest Literacy Framework and the Texas Forest Literacy Plan.

“This free online course will introduce learners to the many values of trees and forests—and the importance of managing them sustainably,” said Josh Brankman, vice president of education at the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). “By creating an interactive learning resource that anyone can access, we will inspire forest conservation and green infrastructure, expand pathways to green careers, and produce advocates that help ensure forests remain a positive force for environmental, economic, and community well-being.”

The self-paced course features six short modules, and is designed for individuals considering careers in forestry and conservation, those working in forest-related fields without a background in natural resources (e.g., communications, law, finance, etc.), and educators who want to bring forest literacy into their classrooms.

Access more information on the course in SFI’s news release.