Lambton Public Health and the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority partnered together to plant 51 shade trees in 6 elementary schoolyards as part of the Tomorrow’s Greener Schools Today (TGST) program.

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. “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” said Laura Stewart, Health Promoter with Lambton Public Health. 

Tree coverage in Lambton County is currently about half the recommended level for a healthy environment. Since 2018, the TGST program has resulted in 269 trees planted at 29 Lambton County schools. 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.

Tree plantings took place at the following elementary schools: St. Philip (Petrolia); St. Peter Canisius (Watford), St. Michael (Bright’s Grove), Gregory A. Hogan (Sarnia); Cathcart Boulevard (Sarnia); and East Lambton (Watford).

For more information about Tomorrow’s Greener Schools Today, call 519-383-8331 ext. 3567, toll-free at 1-800-667-1839 or visit www.lambtonpublichealth.ca.