Teaching Responsible Earth Education

Since 1996, T.R.E.E.'s mission is to educate children and adults about the life science processes that govern our planet, to inspire them to appreciate the natural world, and to motivate them to protect it. Each year, T.R.E.E. engages 1,000 New Orleans area students in the ecological wonders of Southeast Louisiana's outdoor landscapes and the magic of its incredible intricate details. Not only are Earth's mysteries revealed, but also each discovers more about themselves and their gifts.

T.R.E.E. celebrates 30 years in 2025 by continuing 4 immersive science programs in nature's laboratory where learning is alive and ongoing!

• Earthkeepers™ - 4th grade students understand 4 life science concepts: energy flow, cycles, interrelationships and change (3 days).
• Sunship Earth™ - 5th graders focus on seven life science concepts and grow a strong sense of community (5 days and 4 nights, adding community, diversity and adaptation concepts).
• Sunship III™ - 7th graders deepen life science understanding and focus on implications of decisions that affect their personal lives and their communities (3 days and 2 nights).
• Lost Treasures (Pilot) - 3rd grade- learners embark on adventures leading to discovering Animal, Mineral and Plant Kingdom characteristics (About 50 hours of instruction over a school year).
Each program has an engaging framework guiding children from one experience to the next. Highly trained educators ensure that each child receives an experience that touches their Head, Heart and Hand, creating memories and learning that sticks. As learners explore the inter-workings of Earth, they find in themselves and others the many gifts we have to share and grow

Testimonials

"It changed my body." 5th Grade Student

"I could really be myself here." 7th Grade Student

"The activities are well developed and full of resources for different types of learners" J.C. Ellis Elem. 4th Grade Teacher

"There is a sense of wonder + magic that students experienced-they need that!" Ms. Tomes, 4th Grade Teacher

"TREE is absolutely amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed both SunshipEarth and Earthkeepers. I have implemented many of the things I learned while there with my family." -Parent