Tree Explorers 2

The University College Cork tree collection (2,500 trees of over 120 species) is an internationally accredited arboretum with its origins in the foundation of the university in 1845. Tree Explorers 2 (TE2) will build on the important achievements of the Discover-funded Tree Explorers project and will deliver STEM public engagement activities across four distinct strands. (1) TE2 will deliver the Tree Explorers Primary School programme, including class visits to the UCC arboretum, to a minimum of 10 schools in 2022. (2) A new Tree Explorers Secondary School programme, aimed at Transition Year students and with a focus on promoting careers in STEM will be delivered on a pilot basis to 3 schools in Cork city and county. (3) A community planting initiative, in collaboration with the local authority, will broaden the reach of the initiative into local communities at risk of disadvantage. (4) Finally, the delivery of virtual tours and multimedia content will be enhanced through our online and social media presence. The importance of green infrastructure in our urban areas has been reinforced by the global pandemic and restrictions on movements. TE2 will engage audiences with green spaces both inside and outside the arboretum.Throughout all strands, the importance of STEM, and in particular the natural and environmental sciences, will be emphasised in dealing with the global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security.