Hug a Tree
Visit a nearby tree, measure its trunk circumference, observe bark and leaves, record findings, and give the tree a gentle hug to learn about nature.
Step-by-step guide to Hug a Tree
Hug-A-Tree and Survive
Step 1
Walk to a nearby tree you can safely reach and stop beside it.
Step 2
Ask an adult to stay with you while you explore the tree.
Step 3
Hold the measuring tape around the trunk at chest height and wrap it all the way around once.
Step 4
If you used a string instead of a measuring tape tie or mark where the string meets and lay it flat next to the ruler to measure.
Step 5
Write the trunk circumference measurement in your notebook and add the date and the tree’s location.
Step 6
Look closely at the bark and notice whether it is rough smooth flaky or patterned and write one sentence about it.
Step 7
Look at the leaves and notice their shape size and color and write one sentence about them.
Step 8
Use the pencil to draw a quick picture of the whole tree and one leaf in your notebook.
Step 9
Use the magnifying glass to check for small insects fungi or moss and write down anything you find.
Step 10
Count and write how many birds insects or other animals you see near the tree.
Step 11
Give the tree a gentle hug and thank it for being part of nature.
Step 12
Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the tree.
Step 13
Share your measurements observations drawings and photos of your finished tree activity on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a measuring tape or magnifying glass?
If you don't have a measuring tape, wrap a piece of string around the trunk and mark where it meets and lay it flat next to a ruler as the instructions say, and if you don't have a magnifying glass use a phone camera's zoom to check for small insects, fungi, or moss.
What should we do if the tape or string won't go all the way around a large trunk?
If the tape or string won't fit, wrap it as far as it goes, mark that point, then continue around the trunk from the mark until you close the loop and then lay the full string next to a ruler to measure the total circumference as described.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages?
For preschoolers, focus on touching the bark, counting leaves, and drawing a simple tree; for elementary kids, follow the full measuring, leaf-shape sentence, drawing and magnifying-glass inspection steps; and for older kids, add species research, seasonal remeasurements, and posting detailed measurements and photos to DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the Hug a Tree activity?
Extend the activity by making a tree journal with dates and photos, doing leaf rubbings with the pencil or crayons, comparing measurements of several trees, and researching or labeling the tree species before sharing results on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Hug a Tree
Hug a Tree - Grounding with Nature
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Hug a Tree - Grounding with Nature
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Facts about trees and outdoor nature
🌲 Bark comes in many textures — smooth, flaky, or furrowed — and helps shield trees from insects, weather, and fire.
📏 Foresters measure tree size with DBH (diameter at breast height), taken about 1.3 meters above the ground — circumference = π × diameter.
🍃 One large leafy tree can produce enough oxygen for about two people every day.
🌳 Some trees live for thousands of years — the Methuselah bristlecone pine is over 4,800 years old.
🤗 The Chipko tree-hugging movement in 1973 in India used hugs to protect forests and inspired nature activism worldwide.
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