Forty Norwegian spruce tree saplings found a new home Friday at Bellefontaine Elementary School during a Tree Day USA event celebrated by all of the students through a partnership with the Bellefontaine Shade Tree Commission.
Pupils in grades K-2 each had a turn throughout the school day to assist with planting the trees. This activity carried on an annual tradition by the Shade Tree Commission to plant trees at the school each spring and involve the students in the educational event.
“Children are never too young to be taught about our natural surroundings and to value nature,” Logan County Commissioner and Shade Tree Commission Chairman Joe Antram said.
“It’s great to see the excitement these students are displaying about planting trees. I hope they carry this enthusiasm for preserving our environment throughout their lifetimes.”
BES Associate Principal Denise Johnson also helped to organize the effort and picked up the Norwegian spruce trees to be planted.
She invited Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler to join in the celebration as well. He noted that Bellefontaine has been recognized as a Tree City USA for more than 42 years.
In a proclamation for the students, he highlighted the many benefits of trees — providing shade on a hot day and oxygen needed to breathe, helping the soil to stay in place during heavy rains, a sanctuary for birds and animals; and serving as a renewable resource by providing paper, wood for homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products.
“Planting a tree just makes us feel good and helps to make Bellefontaine a beautiful place to live, work and play,” the mayor said.
“We are grateful that the students and staff of the Bellefontaine Elementary School have so generously planted 40 trees in an effort to make a difference in our community.”
While individual classrooms were able to venture out for tree planting, a special photo session with the Bellefontaine Police Department drone featuring all of the students and their new trees was postponed because of inclement afternoon weather.