Students help plant shade trees at elementary schools [Gallery]

Local students have been getting their hands dirty planting shade trees at six elementary schools in Sarnia-Lambton.

Lambton Public Health and the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority [SCRCA] partnered for the initiative that saw 59 shade trees planted in schoolyards as part of the Tomorrow’s Greener Schools Today [TGST] program.

SCRCA Communications Manager Donna Blue said shade trees provide a wide range of benefits.

"From reducing the impact of climate change, improving air quality and cooling community spaces, to protection from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation," Blue said. "Teaching students about the benefit of trees and involving them in the tree planting process will not only help develop environmental stewardship, but will create cooler, healthier play spaces for future students."

Blue said Lambton County's tree coverage is currently about half of the recommended level for a healthy environment.

"During four previous TGST planting sessions 168 trees were planted at 17 Lambton County schools," Blue added. "Schools, businesses, and homeowners are encouraged to plant and care for trees as collectively we can make a difference to reduce the impacts of climate change."

The planting took place at Gregory Hogan, St. Michael and Confederation Central School in Sarnia.

Students at Queen Elizabeth II in Petrolia, St. John Fisher in Forest and Sir John Moore in Corunna also took part.

Blue said the program began in 2017 and these schools had been approved for planting in 2020, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Michael Catholic School staff and students pose with SCRCA and Lambton Public Health representatives in front of a newly planted tree at the Sarnia schoolyard as part of the Tomorrow’s Greener Schools Today – Lambton program. Submitted photo.

Students stand beside one of eleven newly planted trees at Sir John Moore Community School in Corunna as part of the Tomorrow’s Greener Schools Today – Lambton program. Submitted photo.

Kelley Elliott, Health Promoter at Lambton Public Health and Tim Payne, Manager of Forestry at the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority talk to Petrolia’s Queen Elizabeth II Public School students about both the health and environmental benefits of trees as part of the Tomorrow’s Greener Schools Today – Lambton program. Submitted photo.