Trees are planted in schoolyards to create shaded play areas and increase greenspace.
SCRCA and LPH complete third year of schoolyard greening initiative
For the third year, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and Lambton Public Health (LPH) have partnered for the schoolyard greening initiative, “Tomorrow’s Greener Schools Today – Lambton.” Through the program, staff plant trees with elementary school students to increase greenspace and shade in playgrounds. This year, 170 students from six schools in Lambton County planted 60 trees. This program is made possible through a TD Friends of the Environment Foundation grant.
Greener Schools is a hands-on experience that reinforces ecological curriculum concepts outside of the classroom, fosters environmental stewardship, promotes physical activity and healthy living, and provides an opportunity for students to practice their cooperation and communication skills. As the new trees mature, they will protect students from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, provide natural cooling in the schoolyard, improve air quality, and offer other benefits including stress reduction and increased habitat for birds and other small animals.
The Greener Schools program is funded by a TD Friends of the Environment Foundation grant. Krista Campbell, TD Branch Manager (far right), presented the cheque during the London Road Public School tree planting event. (Photo Credit: Lambton Public Health)
SCRCA and LPH staff lead discussions with students on the importance of greenspace and sun safety.
Student participation is an important element of the program, students work in groups to plant the trees.
An educational component regarding the benefits of trees and importance of sun safety is provided by the Authority and Lambton Public Health during each event. This year, each student also received a UV reactive bracelet – the bracelets are a learning tool as they change from white to purple when exposed to sunlight, serving as a reminder to practice sun safety by applying sunscreen, wearing hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade.
This year, student participants received bracelets that change colour when exposed to UV radiation to remind them to be sun safe.
After the third year of the program, over 400 students from 17 schools have planted 168 trees in schoolyards across Lambton County. The following schools participated in the program for 2019:
> Matthew Catholic School, Sarnia
> Bosanquet Central Public School, Thedford
> London Road Public School, Sarnia
> Dawn Euphemia Public School, Dresden
> Lansdowne Public School, Sarnia
> Holy Rosary Catholic School, Wyoming
Feedback from the schools has been very positive, it is the first time many of the students have planted trees and the enriching experience is a source of pride for the students and their schools.
Students are proud to take part in this community enhancement project.
