This spring, staff from the Environmental Services Tree Program spent the afternoon with Lincoln Park Elementary students planting seven trees on the school’s property. The 30 students are members of the Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) after school gardening program and had the opportunity to not only have fun getting their hands dirty, but also learn about the trees and how they will benefit their school.

The group planted two cork oaks, two Jefferson elms, two big leaf maples, and a western red cedar. Some of the trees even got new names from the students: Snowcone, Awesome Tree, and Kevin.

The focus of the planting was to beautify the grounds and provide access to an ongoing learning opportunity for the students, and to provide much needed shade for south-facing classrooms. The trees will also provide shade for students at recess, habitat for wildlife, stormwater management, and—as one recent study has shown—may help reduce student stress levels and improve concentration.

The local contractor Treecology will water and prune the trees for the next few years to ensure they are well established and provide benefits for generations of Lincoln Park Elementary students to come. Treecology also sourced the trees and helped the group plant.

Thanks to Marc, our Confluence AmeriCorps Member, and the SUN educators who worked together to organize the planting!