Irish Tree Explorers Network

ITEN will create a national network of living tree collections (e.g. arboreta, forest parks, urban parks, historic sites, etc.) which will engage the general public with important STEM topics. The ITEN approach will include (a) the development of digital STEM engagement tools which can be accessed across the network of sites by visitors, tour leaders, parents, teachers, etc. to explore STEM through the medium of a tree collection; and (b) the development of a mobile exhibition which can be deployed at partner sites, schools and other high-profile events to provide a hands-on level of engagement. This tandem approach will ensure a high level of engagement with the project and the tools developed as well as allowing for some of the interactions and engagement to be at a deeper level.
ITEN will use an inter-disciplinary approach to engage participants with STEM topics. The project combines plant science and horticulture with the environmental humanities to maximise ‘entry points’ via which prospective participants can be encouraged to engage. This inter-disciplinary approach is important as we grapple with era-defining global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity. These challenges require us to recognise important links between disciplines which can push forward the dialogue around climate justice, climate change mitigation and adaptation.
ITEN activities and materials will be co-created by the project team along with national-level project partners. These resources will be designed to promote STEM through the living collections and to encourage the public to consider their response to global challenges.