This lesson plan is built for use on a ranger or teacher guided nature walk at Cedar Breaks. Students will learn about plant adaptations to the sub-alpine forest ecosystem. After learning to identify five of the most common sub-alpine trees and shrubs, students will engage in a hands on study of a one-meter plot of forest. The class then will discuss how the plants are uniquely adapted to long cold winters as well as how forests adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Recommended level: Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
1. Sub-alpine Forest Plants at Cedar Breaks
2. Plant Adaptations to the Sub-alpine Environment