Check out the new species profile on the coffee plant, making its debut on the Rainforest Alliance Learning Site.

Legend has it that the energizing effects of coffee were first discovered by a goat. Thousands of years ago in what is now Ethiopia, an Abyssinian herder noticed that, after his goats ate the bright red berries of the coffee plant, the animals became quite energetic. He showed his discovery to some monks at a nearby monastery, who then brewed the berries into a beverage to keep them awake during evening prayers. Thus, the first cups of coffee were born. From Ethiopia, coffee spread across Arabia, and eventually found its way into cups around the world.

Coffee was traditionally grown in the shade of trees. However, in the 1970s, coffee farmers began planting dwarf shrubs that produced higher yields and required no shade, resulting in the clearing of the shade trees. But the dwarf shrubs require fertilizers, pesticides and constant care. In addition, many species of migratory birds suffer as their winter tropical habitat is converted from forests to full-sun coffee farms. Learn more about the origins of coffee, and trace the journey of the ever-popular coffee bean from farms in Latin America all the way to your cup in our fifth and sixth grade units.

Challenge students to explore the environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture for migratory bird species. Have them compare bird populations in shade-grown coffee farms to those in full-sun coffee farms by completing the following puzzle:

Shade-grown coffee farms are typically home to 2/3 of the normal bird life in a tropical rainforest. Full-sun coffee farms are typically home to 1/15 of the normal bird life in a tropical rainforest.

• If 225 bird species are typically found in an undisturbed rainforest, how many different types of birds would you expect to find in a shade-grown coffee farm?
• Using the same ratios from question 1, how many different types of birds would you expect to find in a full-sun coffee farm?
• How might this information be useful in conservation of bird habitat in tropical rainforests?
• How about temperate forests?

Explore our fifth and sixth grade units to learn how your breakfast choices can protect migratory birds. Fifth and sixth graders journey to coffee producing regions by conducting surveys, mapping the travels of migratory bird populations and collecting data to design their own ideal coffee farms, which maximize both crop production and bird habitat conservation.

Perk up by purchasing a bag of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee. Through our certification program, the Rainforest Alliance seeks to encourage the sustainable production and harvesting of coffee beans. Farms that meet the comprehensive standards for coffee production established by the Rainforest Alliance and its partners in the Sustainable Agriculture Network receive the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal of approval, which they can use to distinguish their product in the marketplace. Our certification program guides and rewards continual improvements on farms, and connects responsible producers and traders with conscientious buyers and better markets.

Find out how to fill your mug with Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee.

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) is organizing its Fifteenth International Children's Painting Competition. This year's theme is "Deserts, Drylands and Desertification." Children ages 6-14 around the world are invited to participate. The deadline for entries, which should be sent to the UNEP Regional Office for North America in Washington, DC, is January 20, 2006. Top entries from each region will win a trip to the World Environment Day celebrations to be held in Algiers.

The Captain Planet Foundation funds hands-on projects that promote understanding of environmental issues and encourage children and young adults to work together to develop solutions. Schools and non-profits are eligible to apply. The maximum award is $2,500. The deadlines for grant proposals are March 31st, June 30th, September 30th and December 31st.

The Fund for Teachers awards grants to classroom teachers who work with students in grades K-12 to participate in summer training activities that will improve their skills and capacities as teachers. Applicants must have a minimum of three years teaching experience and can apply individually or as a team. The application deadline is January 20, 2006.

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