The forest provide different products and services apart from wood, such as fruits, sedes and soil protection. The divulgation of knowledge about the multiple services provided by the native forest is relevant especially in southern Chile, due to in this part of the country the economy depends mainly on agricultura and the sustainable use of the forest. In this sense, non-timber forest products (NTFP) can be defined as all those products other than wood, which are obtained from the forest or surrounding areas. This work summarizes the results obtained by a research and education project about the use of NTFP by rural communities in the Araucanía Region, which corresponds to the poorest region of Chile, having relatively high rates of social problems and conflicts due to its multicultural condition. This project seeks to systematize and update the information available on the use of NTFP and their productive potential, carrying out a series of activities for different target groups of La Araucanía, including scientists, residents of rural communities, general public and students of all levels. These activities include workshops, lectures, public fórums, elaboration of didactic products and field guides with detailed information about the most used forest species by the inhabitants of rural zones. Among these species, specially relevant in the mountain range is the araucaria (Araucaria araucana), which is currently facing serious conservation problems, while on the coast and central valley the most important species is the shrub maqui (Aristotelia chilensis). Educational activities have benefited more than 5000 people, highlighting activities such different species recognition workshops, design of two educational products and four scientific fairs. The high number of participants shows the interest of the community in learning about the sustainable use of the native forest and the protection of the environment.