Seed to Seedling

Project-based learning and free resources for educators to inspire the next generation of tree stewards

By growing acorns into native oak seedlings, students experience firsthand the magic of nature while they learn about trees, science, and how to be good stewards of the earth. These children get to witness the lifecycle of our urban forest and play an important role in reforesting our native oak habitats.

We updated Seed to Seedling in 2024! Brand new lessons are now available for 3rd grade students.
A class of elementary school students proudly raise the oak seedlings they grew from acorns
Fun for kids, free for teachers

The Seed to Seedling program is a fun, hands-on way to get kids involved with their natural world that SacTree has been running continuously since 1985. In 2024 we created a new set of lessons geared towards third grade that focus on the natural and cultural history of California’s native oaks and the importance of our urban forest. The new version includes three lessons plus suggested activities and supports third grade standards for Science, English Language Arts, Math, and History-Social Science.

These lessons are a perfect fit for every type of educator and educational setting: virtual learning, in-class learning, homeschooling, after-school programs, troop leaders, and community-based educators.

We provide the following free of charge:

  • Curriculum for 3rd grade: lesson plan, visual aids, reader, and a student journal
  • Planting materials - pots, soil, trays, and acorns (optional)
  • Other tree supplies for classroom learning – variety of dry acorns, oak tree rounds (as supplies last)
  • Planting guidance and support as needed

The Seed to Seedling program is now designed to meet 3rd grade standards and students in 3rd grade are our primary participants. However, students and groups of all ages are welcome to apply and can participate if materials are available.

A Girl Scout holds up an acorn she found

Program Timeline

August/September

Sign up your class to participate 

November

Lesson 1 taught by classroom teachers

January

Oak-growing supplies distributed 
Lesson 2 taught by classroom teacher or by Sac Tree staff, including planting of acorns*

February/March (ongoing)

Lesson 2B (activities following seedling growth and observation) 

April

Lesson 3 taught by classroom teacher or Sac Tree staff 
Oak seedlings return to Sac Tree nursery for future planting 
*Some classroom visits available to qualifying third grade classrooms and groups

Sign up

Sign-ups for this year are closed. Seed to Seedling is already underway and we will welcome more classes to join us for the 2025-2026 school year. Add your name to our future interest list, and we’ll follow up with you next year.


Sign up to participate in Seed to Seedling
All third grade classrooms are welcome to participate and use our new lessons, but to receive a free seedling kit for your students, you must be located in the greater Sacramento region. Other grades welcomed as space allows.

The Seed to Seedling curriculum is new in fall 2024, with a complete overhaul and brand new lessons and materials. It features three lessons created with third graders in mind, and meets content standards for Science, English Language Arts, Math, and History-Social Science.
























Popular resources

Instructions & how-tos
Favorite reading selections for students

Continue the story

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes many dedicated people to steward the urban forest throughout its lifecycle. From seed to slab, we have volunteer and educational opportunities for you and your students to get involved and learn hands-on about the trees that make our neighborhoods livable and lovable.