The students of S.S. Dixon Primary School were getting their hands dirty on Thursday in celebration of Florida’s Arbor Day, with assistance from rangers from the Florida Forest Service.
On Thursday, all of the students received a tree seedling in which they potted with assistance from a couple of rangers and parent volunteers.
“Everyone of our 750 students is getting a (seedling) to take home and plant.” said Debby Lewis, the school’s technologist. Lewis said the Forest Service applied for a grant which allowed the department to purchase the tree seedlings.
Students either got a choice of a bald cyprus or a live oak tree seedling. The Forest Service also be planted a river birch tree at the school’s playground.
“As it grows it will offer shade,” Lewis said. “The kids will be able to see it grow because it can be seen from the highway.”
Lowe’s Home Improvement in Pace also donated planting soil and pots to the school, Lewis said.
“As much as we can bring the community together, it’s great,” she said.
Lewis said the event coincides with what several classes at the school are currently learning in regards to plant and tree life.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: S.S. Dixon Primary celebrates Florida's Arbor Day