Lambton Public Health and the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) partnered together to plant 59 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” says Donna Blue, Manager of Communications with the SCRCA.
Tree coverage in Lambton County is currently about half the recommended level for a healthy environment. During four previous TGST planting sessions 168 trees were planted at 17 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: Queen Elizabeth II (Petrolia); Gregory Hogan (Sarnia); St. Michael (Bright’s Grove); Confederation Central (Sarnia); St. John Fisher (Forest); and Sir John Moore (Corunna).
For more information about Tomorrow’s Greener Schools Today, call 519-245-3710 Ext. 219.