Planting Cypress Trees

Planting the cypress trees was a huge success and the project attracted the interest of several other students who were not apart of our original group. Students were eager to plant the trees and took an active role in selecting the placement, digging holes, measuring, and securing plants in the ground. Throughout the process facilitators asked students questions to ensure that students understood the purpose of planting trees on their campus. The following are examples of dialogue that took place between facilitators (Q) and students (A).

Q: Why is this the best spot to plant our trees?

A: This is where it floods
A: The trees will be able to soak up some of the water

Q: What benefits will the trees have on your campus?

A: Provide shade to the basketball court
A: Help with flooding

Facilitators ensured that students were aware of the responsibilities and maintenance required in caring for their trees. One student took lead in telling his peers the importance of watering, monitoring for bugs, and being careful not to destroy the trees.

In addition, students actively surveyed the campus for areas where rain barrels could be installed. Students were able to locate several drainage pipes surrounding the gym and cafeteria that would be sufficient areas for installing rain barrels. Students were asked about the importance of placing rain barrels on their campus and why some spots are better for placing rain barrels than others. Students responded by saying that rain barrels would reduce flooding and that they could use the water in watering their trees. Also they noted that it would not be wise to place rain barrels by the entrance of the gym or cafeteria where student could knock them over. One student drew a diagram representing possible locations and was able to share the findings with other students. For our next session, students were given the task to draw a diagram plotting where they would like to plant more trees and to draw a design that would be featured on their rain barrels.