Planting for the future

SES students celebrate Arbor Day with seven new coniferous trees at Hileman Field

The German-Swiss poet Herman Hesse once wrote "Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth". 

On May 19, the Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District (SERCD), the Wyoming Forestry Division and the Saratoga Recreation Department helped students from Saratoga Elementary School (SES) plant their own sanctuaries. Students from kindergarten through 6th grade all played a part in planting their own class tree.

This school year, the students of SES were able to experience the outdoors throughout the seasons in an outdoor classroom started by Leanne Correll. Correll, who previously served as the District's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) consultant, took on a new role for the SERCD in 2019 as she was named the education and NEPA coordinator and leads the Natural Resource Education Program for the conservation district.

According to Correll, the formation of the outside classroom allowed the SERCD to maintain a presence in the elementary school while following the guidelines in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. One of the first things each class did was adopt a tree around the football field west of the elementary school with "tree" being somewhat of a loose term as one class adopted a Russian Olive.

While technically considered a noxious weed by Wyoming Weed and Pest, the Russian Olive was popular with those living in the harsher climates of Wyoming as the plant is hardy down to -40 degrees Fairhenheit and can also survive extended periods of drought and hot weather.

On May 19, there were no Russian Olives planted, but the seven elementary grades did plant evergreen trees that should be able to do well in the climate of the North Platte Valley.

The 3rd grade and 6th grade classes, for example, planted two Colorado Blue Spruces. Considered one of the most popular evergreens, the Colorado Blue Spruce is able to adapt to many soils including acidic, sandy or clay soils. This evergreen can reach a mature height of 50 to 75 feet in height with a spread of 10 to 20 feet and averages a growth rate of 12 to 24 inches per year if conditions are right.

The 2nd grade and 5th grade classes, meanwhile, planted two Austrian Pines. The Austrian Pine is very hardy and is able to withstand city or seaside conditions, heat and drought, and alkaline and clay soils. At its mature height, the Austrian Pine can grow up to 60 feet in height with a spread of 20 to 40 feet and average 13 inches to 24 inches of growth per year.

The 1st grade and 4th grade classes planted two Limber Pines, which are among the shortest of the evergreens planted by SES. The Limber Pine averages around 20 inches in diameter and will mature at 40 feet in height. A very durable and high-elevation coniferous tree, it is also a slow growing and long-lived species that can take hundreds of years to reach maturity. 

Finally, the kindergarten class planted a Bristlecone Pine. Resilient to harsh weather and bad soils, it is also one of the longest living life forms. While it grows very slowly it can reach up to 60 feet in height. 

As each class came out to help plant their tree-holes had already been dug by the SERCD-Correll and Resource Specialist Garrett Pantle used the opportunity for another outside classroom. Every grade was asked what would help the tree grow with answers ranging from water and sunlight to space. Pantle told the students when planting a tree they had to be aware of power lines so the tree would not grow into them. Correll added the trees would need to have fencing put around them to protect them from the population of town deer, who might rub their antlers on the trees or attempt to use them as a food source.

While the trees add to Correll's outside classroom, they will also eventually be fitted with placards noting the graduation year of each class. The 6th grade tree, for example, will have the year 2027 while the kindergarten tree will have the year 2033. 

With all seven trees planted, the Town of Saratoga was able to secure a place as Tree City, USA for the 17th year.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/17/2024 03:05