East Rutherford, NJ – Becton Regional High School Environmental Club students helped plant 36 trees on the school’s campus to celebrate Arbor Day on April 26. Last September, Becton was awarded a $37,675 Trees for Schools grant to fund the costs associated with the purchase and planting of trees including planning, site preparation, watering, monitoring and related expenses over a three-year period.
Students from Environmental Science and Biology classes wanted to address a noticeable lack of tree canopy coverage on campus. Recognizing the many benefits that trees bring, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity and improved air quality, students contributed to transforming their school grounds into a greener, more sustainable environment.
Partnering with Almstead Arbor, the school’s Environmental Club contributed to planning, site preparation, and tree planting efforts. The Unified Club, advised by Mrs. Oram and Ms. Ryan, also took part in this rewarding feat. Guided by experts, students learned proper tree planting techniques, from digging holes to trimming roots and securing trees in place, with some groups even adding their personal touch by adorning newly planted trees with decorative rock rings.
Ms. Angela Calasso, Environmental Club Advisor, expressed her satisfaction, explaining, “It was such a rewarding process – to start the event with a strip of grass and bare ground, and leave with 5 beautifully planted and adorned trees.” The trees themselves, from Victoria’s Nursery, were carefully selected for their health and suitability to the school environment, ensuring their longevity as permanent fixtures on campus.
As the trees mature, they will not only provide shade but also serve as areas for seating arrangements– offering students spaces to relax and connect with nature. Ms. Calasso emphasized the impact of spending time in natural surroundings, citing studies that link nature exposure to reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced concentration.
Mr. Robert DiDomenico, Supervisor of Science, Math, Art, and CTE, sees the tree planting initiative as a start for broader community greening efforts, stating, “Hopefully this can be the start of a greening effort for the rest of the borough.” The initiative highlights the importance of sustainability education, so students learn to make positive contributions to their local community and beyond.
Ms. Calasso shared, “Our tree planting event was such a memorable and gratifying experience for all involved. As our trees grow over the years, so will our passion for preserving and protecting our environment. It is so special for students to share this experience and leave their legacy in this project. I hope students come back to Becton to watch their contributions flourish.”
The Trees for Schools program is a joint effort of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Sustainable Jersey and The College of New Jersey. Funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds, the Trees for Schools grant program will plant more than 3,000 trees across the state.
For more information visit: https://bit.ly/TreesforSchools.
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To see some videos from the tree planting, visit the Environmental Club’s X post here.
