Elementary students plant trees to help green school for Earth Week
(Tuesday, April 19, 2011, Toronto, ON – For immediate release) Today LEAF - Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests led a tree planting at the David Suzuki Public School in Markham with members of the school’s Eco Team and Ward Councillor Logan Kanapathi as part of the school’s Earth Week activities.
“By giving our students a hands on opportunity to plant these trees, they are learning how trees grow and will be interested in helping to take care of them into the future,” said Nancy Dodds, Principal, David Suzuki Public School.
"As Councillor I am proud to see local children from David Suzuki Public School involved in this wonderful initiative. This is a great inspiration to know that our next generation is mindful of environmental initiatives. The Town of Markham and Members of Council are very supportive of such initiatives," said Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Ward 7 Markham.
The EcoTeam, which leads environmental initiatives around the school, and staff planted seven native trees that will help provide shade and increase local biodiversity in the school’s outdoor classroom created to be a learning space for students and teachers. Previous Eco Team projects have included monitoring classroom recycling and composting, monitoring idling cars around the school, raising money for species at risk and helping educate staff and students about environmental issues.
“Being able to engage and learn about the natural environment in the outdoors is very important for all our students,” continued Dodds. “It allows students the chance to have real life experiences with nature and hopefully foster an appreciation for the world around them. All members of our Eco Team are very excited about this outdoor classroom and the learning opportunities it presents for all students and staff in our school community.”
“LEAF is best known in Markham for our subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program but planting trees with students from the David Suzuki Public School in this relatively new development is another way we can help to build and enhance Markham’s urban canopy,” said Amanda Gomm, Manager, Volunteer and Community Engagement.
Through LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program Markham residents can get a native tree planted for approximately $100 to $200. The service includes a yard consultation with a certified arborist, a five to eight foot tall tree and full planting service. Native garden kits that attract birds and butterflies are also available.
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