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Provided by: USDA Forest Service |Published on: February 9, 2026
Data, Graphs, and Maps
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Synopsis
Students can use this interactive resource from the USDA Forest Service's i-Tree to see how tree cover provides benefits in towns across the continental United States.
The resource provides an interactive map and information on the pollutants removed, carbon dioxide sequestered, and stormwater mitigated by the tree cover, as well as a monetary representation of these services.
The Tree Story is a great offering for students who are overwhelmed by the data alone.
This resource makes it easy for students to quickly see the value of tree canopy in a neighborhood.
Prerequisites
Students should have a general idea of the benefits provided by trees.
Differentiation & Implementation
Students can use this tool in conjunction with demographic data for different cities or neighborhoods to determine environmental justice and environmental racism concerns. This lesson can help teachers make the connection.
Students can select two different neighborhoods to compare their tree benefit data.
Each student can select a different community in their area, or in an area far away. Then, after reading through the results, students can pair up to determine the differences and similarities between communities.
Teachers can highlight how we need carbon sinks like trees to sequester carbon that would otherwise contribute to climate change. Students.
Scientist Notes
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Resource Type and Format
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
