Newtown Elementary Schools Celebrate Arbor Day

By Susan Coney

J. Sterling Morton, an editor for the Nebraska City News, discovered a flat, treeless plain when he moved from Detroit to Nebraska in 1854. Bothered by the barren land, Mr Morton began encouraging his fellow pioneers to plant more trees and idea for Arbor Day began.

Trees were of great importance throughout the country’s history and were especially needed for the building materials, fuel, windbreaks and shade they provided.

The first official Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10, 1872. It was estimated that more than one million trees were planted on that day.

The idea of Arbor Day spread to other states and by 1882 it was being celebrated in schools nationwide. In Connecticut Arbor Day is always observed on the last Friday in April.

The Newtown Tree Project is the local organization that donates the trees to be used for distribution in the school planting projects. This is the 19th year of the project and together the Newtown community has planted 27,000 trees. The aim of the project is twofold. The purpose of the project is to increase the number of trees in Newtown to improve air quality, wildlife habitat, shade, and beauty. In addition it provides children a hands-on connection with nature by planting and caring for a seedling. It also teaches the children to take responsibility for other living things.

Pam Fagan, Middle Gate School math and science coordinator, has been extensively involved for years in the organizing and distribution of seedling trees to elementary school-age children on or around the occasion of Arbor Day. This year the trees, which were Colorado Blue Spruce and were obtained from a nursery in Maine, were distributed on Thursday, April 28.

The Newtown Tree Project represenative, who prefers to remain anonymous and who has worked with Ms Fagan for more than a decade, said recently how much Ms Fagan’s enthusiastic support is appreciated. “We provide the trees. She’s the one who carries the ball and makes sure the children in all schools can take part. Ms Fagan helps teach these children the concept of stewardship and taking personal responsibility for improving the quality of our environment.”

This year Ms Fagan had to remain at home recovering from back surgery, but continued to be active in organizing the annual event. Ms Fagan made calls to arrange that trees go not only to Middle Gate, but also to St Rose and the other Newtown elementary schools, Reed Intermediate School and some trees also went to the middle school. This year Merry Hill Child Care Center received trees as well. “They do well and the response from the parents is overwhelming. The children get so excited. It’s the connection that children feel with something growing that is important,” Ms Fagan said.

The technique for preparing the seedlings for the somewhat bumpy trip home required lots of extra help from parent volunteers. Volunteers were available at each school to help the students wrap their own trees. First the tree roots were soaked in water and then wrapped in newspaper “like diapering a baby,” Ms Fagan said, and then placed in a plastic bag with planting instructions attached.

Sandy Hook School had extra help at hand for their Arbor Day celebration. In addition to the many parent volunteers, Kodiak Tree & Landscaping Company sent representatives to offer expert tree advice. Michael Feli along with brothers Jason and Chad, joined by John Mazzariello, presented a lesson to third graders at Sandy Hook. All four men attended Newtown schools and some recall getting their very own tree on Arbor Day. Jason and Mike, who are fourth generation Newtown residents, have owned and operated the company since 1997. They try to stay up to date on the latest research on tree and plant care and believe it is important to pass information on to the community.

The Kodiak members shared interesting facts about trees with the children such as the oldest tree known is a bristlecone pine located in the United States. It is thought to be 4,600 years old. The tallest tree known in the world is also in the USA. It is a coastal redwood in California that is more than 360 feet high. They also informed the students that the state tree of Connecticut is the white oak and the largest tree in Connecticut is the sycamore tree.

Planting instructions were attached to all seedlings being sent home. The most important thing to remember is that the roots must not dry out. Other instructions noted the seedling should be placed in a pail of water as soon as it arrives home; parents should cut away half of the long root system and be certain that the roots are not doubled up or crowded; choose a spot where the tree will have full sun or partial shade and plan for its future size of up to 40 feet.

Carefully place the tree in the soil, gently spreading out the root system and avoid planting it too deep. After filling in the soil, water the seedling well and keep watering every week for the first two summers. Most importantly, get a tall strong stake with a bright flag to mark the baby tree and keep it safe from the lawn mower.