The curriculum in this program has been developed for the elementary, middle and high school levels. Each level builds on the other, and forms a thread of skills that are upgraded at each level. Each exercise is complete, enabling students to gather data about Urban Forests. The program has been divided into two components. The first component is for the development of your school's own arboretum, or tree walk, and herbarium. Tree planting should take place around Arbor Day in your state.

The second component of the program is the ability tiered curriculum presented in the form of student laboratory exercises and accompanying teachers' guides (Elementary school exercise format is altered slightly). Extrapolations called 'BLOWOUTS' for each exercise are noted, including a bibliography and source notation. Each of these exercises can be done on your school site. Repeated data collection on the same trees and shrubs is possible. An urban school site is not a natural habitat, but it is still an environment worthy of in-depth study. Students can measure dynamic growth of trees within the changing patterns of human habitation. The guide has five areas of activity:

1. Tree identification and inventory
2. Characteristics of the trees
3. Soil conditions for trees
4. Condition of the trees
5. Tree care and planting

A concluding field trip to some forested site (local park) would benefit the students understanding of the role of Urban Forestry in the total ecosystem. The idea of a half- or full-day field trip as a reward for work well done can be exciting for students. An appendix with additional or summative type activities is included. Exercises found in there are not limited to use by school systems and can be used by park districts, after hour's science clubs, gardening clubs, and state and local conservation programs.