Robyn Myles / Daily News
LaGrange High Sierra Club sponsor Bethany Headrick, center, and Troup High Sierra Club members, from left, Josh Hood, Jessica Hood, Morgan Atterberry and Kristen Patrick sort some of the 2,000 trees that will be given away on Arbor Day through Sierra Club LaGrange’s Trees for Tots program.
LaGrange High Sierra Club sponsor Bethany Headrick, center, and Troup High Sierra Club members, from left, Josh Hood, Jessica Hood, Morgan Atterberry and Kristen Patrick sort some of the 2,000 trees that will be given away on Arbor Day through Sierra Club LaGrange’s Trees for Tots program.
That’s how many oak tree seedlings the club will distribute through its second annual “Trees for Tots” program - one tree for every kindergarten student and second-grader in Troup County schools, plus one for each participating school to plant on its grounds. That’s twice the number distributed in 2008.
Club co-president Jeannine Honicker said the group targeted youngsters to demonstrate that “even the youngest people” can play a part in caring for the environment.
But getting the trees to the tots isn’t as simple as A, B, C.
The process began weeks ago, when Dr. David Schaffer, a club member and Auburn University veterinary school alumnus, used contacts at his alma mater to contact the International Forestry Corp. in Moultrie. After learning about the Trees for Tots program - the only one of its kind in Georgia - the company agreed to donated 1,000 cherry bark oaks and 1,000 Schumand oaks to the cause.
“That saved the club nearly $1,000,” Honicker said.
Club co-president Dean Rogers traveled to Moultrie to pick up the seedings, which took up temporary residence in Honicker’s garage on Camellia Drive. Last week, volunteers from Troup High and La-Grange High school Sierra Clubs spent afternoons sorting and packaging the trees for delivery to schools this week. LaGrange College also has a student Sierra group.
“We really appreciate the students’ support.” Honicker said. “We are certainly proud that LaGrange leads the state in Sierra student coalitions.”
On Wednesday, Sierra Club members will pick up trees for delivery to principals of each school on Thursday.
On Friday, Arbor Day, each student in the targeted grades will get a tree to take home, along with planting instructions.
Honicker hopes to hear back from students about their successes.
Last year, several students wrote letters of thanks.
“Trees give us shade,” wrote a little boy named Caleb.
“Trees give us paper,” wrote Mikayela Aiyana.
“Trees give us food,” said Tamia Fanning.
“Trees give us good air,” wrote Corey Gates.
In addition to those benefits, the Sierra Club hopes the tree-planting exercise helps LaGrange gain recognition.
Club member Sam Breyfogle, a local forester and member of the city’s Tree Advisory Board, said the project should help the city renew its designation as a “Tree City.”
A project of the National Arbor Day Foundation, Tree City USA began in 1976 as part of the na-tion’s bicentennial observance. To be designated as a “Tree City,” a municipality must have a tree ordinance and advisory board, devote at least $2 per capita to tree maintenance and hold an Arbor Day observance.
In addition to the Trees for Tots project, two local garden clubs also plan Arbor Day observances, and Mayor Jeff Lukken will proclaim Friday as Arbor Day in LaGrange, Breyfogle said.
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