TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Planting Project Teaches Earth Day Lesson

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Collins Elementary fifth-grader Megan Sage examines the pine sapling she is about to plant as part of the Earth Day project.

ADVERTISEMENT

By LOIS KINDLE The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 10, 2008

RIVERVIEW - A recent science project at Collins Elementary School gave 36 students an experience that brought new meaning to Earth Day, when they planted 38 longleaf Southern yellow pine saplings around the grounds and teachers parking lot.

Coordinated by teacher Suzanne Woolems, the project was part of a countywide effort to set a world record for planting the most trees during a single hour on the 31st anniversary of Earth Day.

"I think the students learned how their actions impact the earth for future generations," Woolems said. By planting trees today, they are helping children who will be here in the future. Earth Day is about how we all leave footprints."

Each student planted a sapling in a hole dug by head custodian Angel Borrero. The student then secured the plant by placing a stake in the ground and tying a red string around the top so the tiny tree could be seen by groundskeepers. Principal Ellen Cyr and Assistant Principal Steve Sims also planted saplings.

"We're celebrating Earth Day," said fifth-grader Susan Reynaga, 11, as she planted her young tree. "I feel good because we are helping save more trees."

Jessie Lopez, 10, had less altruistic motives.

"We're going for a world record," the third-grader said, grinning.

The goal was for students in schools throughout the Hillsborough County School District to plant 10,450 trees. District spokeswoman Kristin Jernigan said all schools picked up their allotment.

Longleaf Southern yellow pines are native to Florida and evergreen conifer with scaly bark. Once covering nearly 90 million acres in the Southeast, its ecosystem is down to less than 3 million.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT