*Note:  This is a working draft and hasn’t been tested in a classroom yet. Feedback is more than welcome to refine and improve it at globalgreensprouts@gmail.com. 

Have you ever noticed how some places in your city feel cool, shady, and full of life, while others feel hot, dry, and empty? That’s not just a coincidence—trees and green spaces make a huge difference in how a place feels, looks, and even how people and animals live there!

In this adventure, we’ll explore how our environment has changed over time and why trees, parks, and green spaces are so important for a healthy, happy city. And the best part? We’ll learn how we can help bring nature back! 

One scorching summer day, Douglas the squirrel, Chickadee, and Gary the acorn rolled through Shoreline, looking for a cool place to rest. But something felt strange.

Douglas flopped onto the hot sidewalk, dramatically wiping his forehead. “I’m MELTING. I am now a puddle squirrel.”

Chickadee rolled her eyes. “Douglas, you are NOT a puddle. You’re just dramatic.”

Gary, who had been quietly rolling along, looked up. “But Douglas has a point! It’s way hotter here than it was by the park.”

Just then, Mother White Oak, the wise old tree, rustled her leaves. “That’s because some parts of Shoreline have lots of trees, and some don’t,” she explained. “Trees give shade, cool the air, and make places feel fresher. But not every neighborhood has the same amount of trees.”

Douglas sat up. “Wait, that’s not fair! Why do some places get lots of trees, and others don’t?”

Mother White Oak sighed. “Long ago, when people planned cities, they didn’t always think about fairness. Some neighborhoods had more trees planted, while others were left with too many buildings and not enough green spaces.”

Chickadee fluffed her feathers. “That doesn’t seem right. Everyone should have trees!”

Mother White Oak nodded. “That’s called tree equity—making sure all neighborhoods have enough trees, no matter where people live.”

Gary, who had been listening carefully, added, “If we plant more trees, it can help make the air cleaner and cooler, and that’s good for everyone! We could even help fight climate change.”

Mother White Oak smiled. “Exactly, Gary. In fact, the City of Shoreline has a Climate Action Plan to help make the city healthier and reduce pollution. The plan is like a map that shows how to take care of the Earth by using energy wisely, keeping water clean, and planting more trees.”

The friends wanted to help. As they scurried through the city, they spotted a group of humans planting tiny trees in an empty lot. A volunteer smiled at them. “We’re growing a Miyawaki Forest! These trees will grow fast and help make this neighborhood cooler and greener.”

Douglas gasped. “We can help! I’ll dig little holes with my paws!”

Gary wiggled his tiny acorn body. “I’ll spread seeds!”

Chickadee chirped. “And I’ll fly around and tell everyone how important trees are!”

Together, the friends helped the humans plant, water, and care for the new trees. They imagined a future where all of Shoreline had plenty of shade, fresh air, and places for animals to live.

As the sun set, Douglas stretched out under a newly planted tree. “Maybe I was a little dramatic,” he admitted. “But now I know trees aren’t just nice to have—they help us stay cool and fight climate change.”

Mother White Oak swayed in the evening breeze. “And now, because of you, Shoreline’s future will be a little greener and a lot fairer, just like the Climate Action Plan wants for the whole city.”

The friends smiled. They had learned that even small actions—like planting a single tree—could help make their city a better place for all.

𖧧 Teacher Notes 𖧧

Pictorial Chart Set Up:

• Large chart paper or interactive whiteboard

• Pictures of trees, animals, shaded areas, and sunny areas

• String or arrows to show relationships between living things

• Maps or charts showing areas with more vs. fewer trees

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 

Observing the Forest:

• What do you notice about the trees, plants, and animals in this forest?

• How does the forest feel compared to other areas in the city?

• What sounds, smells, and textures do you experience here?

• What role do trees play in providing shelter and resources for animals?

Exploring Relationships Between Things:

• How do trees and plants interact with the animals in this space?

• What happens to the temperature in areas with more trees versus fewer trees?

• How do humans impact the forest, both positively and negatively?

• What connections can we make between the forest and our city’s environment?