Alexander Robinson Elementary students team up with city to plant trees

Students at Alexander Robinson Elementary rolled up their sleeves last month to plant nearly a dozen trees next to the school as part of a planting drive with the City of Maple Ridge.

“We really enjoyed having the kids help us! More hands make less work, even when the hands are tiny,” said Malcolm McCulloch, the city’s urban forestry supervisor. “Seeing their smiles and how excited they were to help made our day.”

They planted three catalpas, three oaks, and three pagoda trees along the path in the park, as well as two elm trees next to the playground. Students from all grades participated.

“Tree planting drives teach students about their role in our fight against climate change,” said Ashish Dev, SD42 energy and environmental sustainability manager. “It also reminds students about the impact trees have in our lives on a daily basis.”

Dev had approached the City of Maple Ridge back in June hoping to organize a planting drive in the fall, and it turned out McCulloch was already planning one.

“We had already planned to plant 11 trees at Alexander Robinson Park through a BC Hydro regreening grant and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to include the students,” McCulloch explained.

The park had been identified as lacking canopy cover, and the goal was to plant more trees to provide shade for the heavily used pathway and playground.

“Engaging students with something hands-on like this creates ownership, and as they age in life, it becomes a positive memory that has a lasting impression,” Dev said.

On Oct. 22, the team got to work. McCulloch and his crew arrived early and began the planting process.

“We were able to dig the holes and place the trees in the ground prior to the kids helping us – the root balls were extremely heavy,” he explained.

The students then helped transfer soil to the trees to complete the planting.

When they were done, Dev handed out sustainability star stickers to thank them for their hard work.

“We hope the children can visit this site as they grow up and have pride when they see the trees mature and know that they made a difference in their community,” McCulloch said.