An Earth Day fundraiser is a great way to increase awareness about rainforest conservation and teach your students that they can contribute to the protection of endangered landscapes.

Donations to the Rainforest Alliance's Adopt-A-Rainforest projects go towards the purchase or management of protected areas in Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. And, because the Rainforest Alliance curriculum is based on current on-the-ground conservation projects in these areas, your students can learn all about the rainforests they are helping to protect.

Visit the Adopt-A-Rainforest site to explore fundraising ideas, including bake sales, bottle refund drives and pancake breakfasts that can engage your entire school or community.

Before holding your Adopt-A-Rainforest fundraiser, take your students on a journey to some amazing ecosystems by downloading our new "Introduction to Rainforests" slideshow.

Did you know that...

...rainforests are home to more than half of the world's plant and animal species? Some animals are endemic, which means they can only be found in the rainforest.

...the rainforest plays a vital role in controlling the Earth's climate? Trees use carbon dioxide and provide oxygen -- just the opposite of people. By using a lot of carbon dioxide each day, rainforests keep the temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind levels of the Earth stable. If there is too much carbon dioxide, those things might change.

...rainforests are called the "world's largest pharmacies"? Medicines such as those used to fight cancer, diabetes and heart diseases have been developed from rainforest plants.

...that many of the products commonly found in our homes including coffee, bananas and wood are often derived from rainforests?

To share more information with your class about rainforests, their amazing plants and animals, and how we are all connected to these vibrant ecosystems, download our new rainforest slideshow.

This slideshow complements all of our K - 8th grade lessons, species profiles, stories and other materials to teach about rainforests in Latin America.

The students of Saltimbanco School, the touring school of Cirque du Soleil (an international organization devoted to the creation, production and performance of artistic works) decided to help protect the Amazon rainforest. After giving a presentation explaining the importance of rainforests, the students sold T-shirts that they designed themselves. They also sponsored a concert and sold delicious chocolate-chocolate chip cookies.

The students successfully raised $2,104.47, which they donated to the village of Boa Vista do Ramos, the Rainforest Alliance's Adopt-A-Rainforest Brazil project, since the next stop for their traveling school will be in Brazil this summer.

Check out other fundraising activities that can inspire your school to help make a difference.

Read about what other schools and groups have done to raise money for our Adopt-A-Rainforest projects on our success stories page.

The Toyota International Teacher Program will send 20 secondary school teachers (grades 7 - 12) on a fully funded, 10-day study program to the Galapagos Islands in November 2006. During their visit, educators will observe and explore environmental projects, speak with experts, community advocates, and participate in group learning activities. The program seeks to inspire the teaching of environmental stewardship through cross-curricular approaches. Teachers will be selected from ten states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Washington, D.C.

The National Gardening Association (NGA) and The Home Depot are sponsoring Youth Garden Grants available to schools and community organizations with child-centered, outdoor garden programs that focus on nutrition or plant-to-food connections, the social aspects of gardening and/or environmental education. Applicants must garden in 2006 with at least 15 children between the ages of three and 18 years. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2006.

Do Something awards grants of $500 to young people ages 25 and younger who submit creative proposals to solve problems in their community. Youth Grants are awarded in the areas of community building, health and the environment. The deadline for spring applications is May 15, 2006.

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