Trees as Habitats

From their leafy branches to their tangled roots, trees provide a habitat for a host of plants and animals. In this activity, children will inventory the plants and animals that live in, on, and around
trees and discover how plants and animals depend on trees in many ways.

Doing the Activity

Where do you live? A habitat is the place where a plant or animal can get all the things it needs to

survive. The next time you pass by a tree, think of it as a habitat, or living space. While observing a
tree, have children learn about the different ways plants and animals can find food, water, shelter, and
iving space by asking:

• What are some plants and animals that depend on trees?

• What do trees provide for these plants and animals?

• Can you see signs of life on the trunk, branches, roots, and leaves? (Have children look on the

ground around the tree for fallen leaves, twigs, bark, seeds, fruits, or nuts.)

• How is a tree affected by the plants and animals that live on it? (they may benefit, harm, or be neutral to the tree)

If possible, allow children to use hand lenses or binoculars to get a closer look. Ask them to use their

sense of hearing to locate more plants and animals. Finally, compare a tree to your own home, or

habitat. How are they alike or different? Conduct a read-aloud with young children using Goodnight,

Owl! by Pat Hutchins.