What is a tree's favorite drink? Root beer!
New York's Acting Commissioner for the Department of Environmental Conservation - Amanda Lefton -kicked off Earth Day 2025 with a joke - much to to the delight of the audience, which included budding botanists from Albany School of Humanities (ASH).
"We worked together and we worked really hard," explained second grader Miranda Wilkie who, along with peers,
The students didn't just plant red maple, serviceberries, swamp white oaks, river birch and black gum trees during the event, they also learned about the important role trees play, especially in the urban landscape.
"It’s these moments where everything comes together and kids get the opportunity to really handle the trees and feel a sense of connection to their tree," explained Mari Shopsis with Albany Fund for Education (AFE), just one of the organizations that supports this annual celebration that occurs every year on the property of a different City School District of Albany building.
The collaboration between the state, city and district is part of New York's goal to establish and expand forests in urban areas, contributing to the 25 Million Trees Initiative. Since 2009, district students have planted more than 420 trees on Arbor Day, thanks to AFE, Albany’s Department of General Services, New York State Department of Conservation, Albany Goes Green and Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Honest Weight Co-Op also supports the yearly endeavor.
"Trees prevent erosion, provide oxygen and are home to wildlife," explained Elementary STEM Instructional Supervisor Sara McGraw, who works alongside building educators, to promote hands-on learning and life-long environmental advocacy.
"Forests are crucial in our ecosystem but it's also incredibly important to have trees in urban areas."
In recent years, similar environmental education days have occurred at North Albany Middle School, Eagle Point Elementary School and Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology. The collaboration always includes environmental education in addition to tree-specific learning.
In addition to elected officials and environmental advocates, local media covered the planting. Check out our students in the news on: , and .
