Fifth Grade class at Westerly Middle School meets the Costa Rican farmers at the RTT Forest.
We have partnered with Reforest the Tropics, a 501(c)(3) organization, since 2013 after a visit from founder Dr. Herster Barres. RTT was founded in 1996 when the U. S. and Costa Rican governments approved a UNFCCC-AIJ (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). Today RTT manages 17 farms in Costa Rica for more than 100 U.S. entities.
RTT's mission is to fight climate change, increase biodiversity, and improve the lives of local populations through sustainable reforestation projects. They have created a Climate Education Program delivering a comprehensive climate change education to students throughout the region. The program compliments STEM-related principles consistent with next generation Science Standards and relies on an experiential learning model to create a memorable and rewarding experience. RTT forests have it all - from tree planting and nature observation, to hiking and local community engagement.
With the aid of District Grants, we have provided funds to RTT for equipment used by the Foresters as well as the school program expenses. The RTT education program has been a part of the school curriculum at Westerly Middle School and Westerly High School's Spanish Class. The programs conclude with a visit from RTT and a zoom connection to the Costa Rican forest and foresters. So, Rotarians are invited to attend the Westerly High School class on April 4 at 10:30am (15 Highland Ave) and the Westerly Middle School session on April 11 - time to be determined. Please tell Rose if attending either High School or Middle School program by Thursday am, she needs to notify Greg at RTT.
