Irish Tree Explorers Network (ITEN)

The Irish Tree Explorers Network is bringing together living tree collections across Ireland to form a nationwide network. These tree collections include arboreta, forest parks, urban parks, and historic sites, which will encourage members of the public to explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and culture through trees. ITEN will be partnering with Coillte, The OPW and the Tree Council of Ireland to ensure that a broad range of sites will be included.It is hoped that this project will make trees more accessible to everybody and will encourage people to reconnect with tree collections. The Irish Tree Explorers Network website https://www.ucc.ie/en/tree-explorers/ is accessible across all participating tree collections through QR codes, seamlessly connecting visitors, educators, tour leaders, and parents to engagement materials. The Irish Tree Explorers Network will help explain about the vital roles of trees by creating accessible digital resources that intertwines plant science, horticulture, and environmental humanities. Through this project, it is hoped that Ireland's communities will adopt a deeper understanding and appreciation for trees.