Earth Day Marked With New Tree
By Autumn Grooms, La Crosse Tribune, Wis.
Apr. 23–Planting a tree was a new experience for Alexandra Olson.
The Roosevelt Elementary School third-grader had helped plant a garden before, but watching the city forestry crew dig a giant hole Tuesday for a red maple was “different and cool.” About 50 students gathered on the playground as the “baby tree” was planted by a giant machine, while City Forester Pat Bonadurer fielded questions about trees, soil,
the environment — and worms.
“The whole crew cares about trees, and planting is our legacy,” Bonadurer said. “Having the kids learn about baby trees and planting — and spending the extra time — is a win-win.”
Bonadurer told the students the forestry staff takes care of 20,000 street-side trees in the city, and they provide many benefits to the community, such as shade and shelter to wildlife.
Third-grader Ella Shively said by planting the tree at the North Side school, additional oxygen will be produced.
“Everyone wants to live by the city, and there aren’t a lot of forests left,” Olson added. “If we plant trees, we make up for it.”
Gabby Mattison watched with excitement as the tree went into the ground.
“They’re putting a tree in ’cause it’s Earth Day and ’cause it helps the Earth,” the first-grade student said.
She’d planted a tree before with her grandpa, she said, but they skipped the heavy machinery and just used a shovel.
The trees were supplied to each of the La Crosse School District’s 16 buildings by Gundersen Lutheran.
Some schools planted additional trees donated by their parent-teacher organizations.
The planting will continue today, Thursday and Friday at Hamilton, Hintgen, Spence, State Road, Summit and Southern Bluffs Elementary Schools.
Autumn Grooms can be reached at agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
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