March 19 - Planting trees

Students involved played an active role in planting about 24 trees on their campus. Trees planted included native 'Oak' and 'Riverbrich' and non native 'Chinese elm'. Several students were able to plant their own tree(s) and other students collaborated with peers to plant trees. For this project, students were able to select the location for their tree(s), dig holes deep enough to support the roots of the tree(s), and stabilize tree(s) in the ground. In addition, students learned that:


1.Trees come with instructions to ensure healthy growth- For example, some trees should be planted in dry areas, others in wet areas to help with flooding, trees should be spaced so many feet apart, and tree(s) should be so many feet from the concrete.
- I noticed that even thou students were given the option to decide where they won't to plant their tree(s). Some were concerned about what type of tree it was and in what area would it grow best. This shows that some students were forming an awareness regarding tree instructions and the survival of tree(s).

2.The the correct way to dig and place trees in the ground. Facilitators taught students the importance of making sure that the hole(s) were dug twice the size of the roots, ensure that roots were below the ground, and to chop up soil before placing back in the hole, to allow more oxygen to flow to the roots.
-I noticed that students placed their tree(s) in the ground several times measuring to make sure that their hole was deep enough to hold each plant.


3. How to Care for their trees- Students learned the importance of watering and looking after their trees. Facilitators will continue to educate students regarding the importance of caring for their trees.


Overall, students seemed to enjoy planting trees on their campus and are looking forward to designing rain barrels next Friday.