Environment
Campaign Plants Trees At Schools Across The U.S.
By
May 20, 2008, 17:32

(NAPSI)-Schools are generally seen as the place to plant the seeds of knowledge.

Yet thanks to a one-day environmental campaign, schools and parks across the country became places to plant something a little greener.

Sixteen schools across the country, from Long Island to Hawaii, participated in the initial “Trees for Success” campaign, with more than 800 trees planted in schools and neighboring parks in a single day.

The schools were selected by the Arbor Day Foundation out of more than 200 applications based on need, civic and local support, student involvement, a plan for upkeep, and location.

More than 500 students helped plant trees during the campaign, which engages students, volunteers from local Home Depot stores and community partners to plant trees in playgrounds and parks where children play.

Children benefit significantly from green surroundings. Studies suggest that children who interact with nature on a daily basis have improved social, developmental and learning skills.

Access to green spaces also lessens the symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children.

“It’s great to see so many young people plant trees and learning about how their work impacts the natural world around them,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

“Our ‘Trees for Success’ campaign plays an important role in educating students and their surrounding communities about the social, environmental and educational benefits trees provide. Thanks to the generous support of The Home Depot Foundation, many students are able to learn firsthand about the many benefits of city trees.”

Schools selected to take part in the initial “Trees for Success” campaign were located in Albuquerque; Atlanta; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Dallas; Detroit; Drummond, Wis.; Honolulu; Kent, Ohio; Los Angeles; Memphis; Oswego, Ill.; Philadelphia; Richmond, Va.; Roosevelt, N.Y.; Seattle; and Wichita, Kan.

In addition to planting trees, the foundations are working with educators to raise awareness among students, parents and public officials about the impact trees have on the environment, communities, schools and individuals.

“The Foundation believes that trees are essential building blocks for healthy, livable communities. Our aim through these tree-planting events is to demonstrate to students, educators, parents and public officials the positive impact trees have on our social, economic and overall well-being,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation.

To find out more about the nationwide tree-planting campaign, go to www.arborday.org or www.homedepotfoundation.org.

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