Watershed Forestry Institute for Teachers (WFIT)
Each year, the Watershed Agricultural Council’s Forestry Program offers a FREE five-day, four-night summer professional learning program for 4-12th grade teachers and non-formal educators in the NYC Watershed region that explores how people and forests work together to provide clean drinking water. Key topics include watershed science and stewardship, sustainable forestry, and the human dimensions of the NYC Watershed and water supply system. Teachers earn CTLE credits and experience field trips, curricula training, dozens of hands-on activities, peer and expert collaboration, campfires and more!
WFIT 2026 is for 4-8th grade teachers and non-formal educators. Complete the online application today. Deadline for submissions is Friday, May 15, 2026 by 5pm.
WFIT 2026 Overview
Who:
Priority is for 4-8th grade teachers and non-formal educators working in municipalities wholly or partially within the East and West of Hudson Watersheds or the 5 boroughs of NYC. Educators in upstate consumer municipalities may be considered if space is available.
- Unsure about your eligibility? Email education@nycwatershed.org.
- Educators from the same school or organization are encouraged to apply.
What:
5 days + 4 nights to:
- Earn approximately 30 CTLE credit hours
- Practice over 25 hands-on lessons about watersheds and forestry (see example schedule pop-up).
- Receive and get trained in Project Learning Tree and Project WET curricula.
- Go on field trips to discover first-hand how well-managed forests and farms protect water quality in the NYC Watershed.
- Explore indigenous ecological knowledge and classroom applications.
- Learn from inspiring peers & professionals and join an active community of practice of watershed educators.
- Develop an Action Plan for implementing watershed forestry themes into your teaching and learn about many programs and resources available to you.
- Access up to $500 of Teacher Assistance funding to implement your watershed forestry education plans.
When:
Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24, 2026
- Registration: 10-11am on Monday, July 20
- Departure: 4pm on Friday, July 24
Where:
Taconic Outdoor Education Center, Cold Spring, NY. Map here. Shuttle service will be provided to/from Cold Spring, NY Metro North Station on the first and last days of the Institute.
Cost:
FREE
- Meals, lodging and teaching resources provided free of charge.
- Funding provided by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Forest Service.
How to apply:
Apply online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFIT2026 by Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5pm.
Contact:
For more information email Tyler Van Fleet, East of Hudson Forestry Program Coordinator, at education@nycwatershed.org
Additional Information:
- Mission
- Eligibility
- Cancellation Policy
- Teacher’s Commitment
- Learning Objectives
- WFIT Highlights
- Location
- Professional Development Credits
- Teacher and Administrator Testimonials
- WFIT History and Funding
