Rainforest Education & Outreach

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Friends of the Rainforest’s story is rooted in the desire to educate children and adults about the importance of the rainforest. 15 years ago Rachel Crandell, a teacher, decided to engage her own students in efforts to protect the rainforest. She began a program that allowed the children she taught to use their skills in math, letter writing, and activism to fundraise for the Children’s Eternal Rainforest as well as correspond with other students in Costa Rica. Her husband Dwight was Executive Director and one of the founders of the Saint Louis Science Center, a dynamic museum where people of all ages investigate, explore and engage with science through fun and interactive learning experiences.

We continue this tradition of educational outreach today. Two members of our current Board of Directors, Maggie Eisenberger and Dr. Patrick Osborne offer a wealth of knowledge and experience in tropical ecology, aquatic ecology and conservation. Their combined knowledge covers enthusiasts of all ages and knowledge levels, providing rich educational experiences for your classroom or group.

Friends of the Rainforest’s educational outreach offers talks and/or classroom activities on the rainforest, conservation, biodiversity, mutualism, nutrient cycling, dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, geologic history and more to a wide range of enthusiasts of all ages and knowledge levels. Whether you’re a public or private school classroom, senior citizen group, church youth group, Girl Scout/Boy Scout Troop, or group of conservation enthusiasts, we can provide (and tailor!) an enriching and memorable experience.

We are preparing to schedule lectures and classroom activities for the coming school year and would like to expand our available teachers/mentors!

If you are available during the weekday to spend 1-2 hours in a K-12 classroom conducting a lesson on the topics listed above, this is a perfect fit! Don't be afraid, we offer training and have already developed the materials used.

This is the perfect volunteer position for retired STEM teachers!

Help out once a week, once a month or once a quarter; the choice is yours.

We look forward to hearing from you!