05/02/1994 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lino Lakes Elementary Arbor Day - A Growing Tradition "I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree"-Joyce Kilmer With these words in mind, Lino Lakes Elementary students and staff look forward to their 17th annual Arbor/Earth Day to be held on Tuesday, May 3. The tradition began in 1977 with a small observance of Arbor Day, and the planting of a school tree. It has grown over the years to a full day of activities which include: a program with guest speakers, school grounds clean up by all students, school tree planting and dedication, individual classroom art projects and lessons on ecology, tree identification and conservation, and seedling distribution to all students for home planting. Coordinator of the event, Joe Kramer, says the program began when, as a first year teacher, he was approached by his principal to develop some type of school wide project that could become an annual affair. With the help of Department of Natural Resources Forester, Art Weiderstrom, the celebration has left it's mark on Lino Lakes School. The large Spruce and Ash trees you see in front of Lino School were planted by students and teachers on past Arbor Day celebrations. Another integral part of Arbor Day has been the development of a school arboretum which fills a corner of the playground behind the school. Through the volunteer efforts of students, teachers and parents, the arboretum is slowly evolving into an area which provides green space, a variety of trees, picnic tables and planting beds. Students and staff find it an attractive place for outdoor lessons, lunching and relaxing. This year's program continues a partnership with the City of Lino Lakes through the Tree City Foundation. City Forester, Marty Asleson, has lent his expertise in helping to develop the arboretum and participating in the program and dedication. For the past four years, Rick Wolters of Norhtland Nurseries has donated a tree to be planted in the arboretum. Trees have been dedicated to Jacob Wetterling, World Peace, former Lino Student, Stephen Taylor, and long time secretary Mary Wilberg. The program will be held in the arboretum (weather permitting) on Tuesday, May 3, from 2:00 - 3:15 P.M. All are welcome.