Free Trees for Union County Schools
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has a gift for schools this spring; free flowering trees. While supplies last each Union County School that desires will receive a 5 to 6 foot tall Flowering Cherry tree. Schools can use this pink or white flowering tree to beautify their grounds, add shade to their properties, and to celebrate Arbor Day.
Besides the tree the school can also receive training in tree care and planting. The training sessions will teach; where to plant the tree so it is an asset and not a hazard; how to prepare the planting hole; mulching; watering; and how to protect the tree from vandalism.
“We hope that the schools will send students to be trained,” said Union County Freeholder Deborah Scanlon. “Children planting trees is the best way for them to develop respect and care for them.”
The training sessions are open to students and adults and will be held on two different days from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at Williams Nursery in Westfield. On Monday, April 23 a session will be held for 7th through 12th graders. On Tuesday, April 24 for 4th through 6th grade students. The Flowering Cherry trees will be given out after each training session. As will a protective cage for the tree. Please see your schools principal if you or your child is interested in representing your school at the training session. You may also contact Barbara Knapp, Union County Public Works at 908-789-3653 or Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Agent and Chairman of the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board, James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854, email Nichnadowicz@aesop.rutgers.edu for more information.
Schools that do not wish to be trained can also receive a free tree by calling the phone number above. |
Young Writers
Poetry Contest |
The Union County Freeholder Board and the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board sponsors a Young Writers Poetry Contest. The purpose of the contest is to promote and instill in our youth the understanding and appreciation of Arbor Day and the importance of trees to our natural environment and man-made landscapes. The contest will also recognize the best young writers in Union County and assist educators in meeting curriculum standards for writing and environmental education.
The contest is open to all Union County students currently enrolled in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. The supervising teachers must submit all poems & student entry forms by January 30, 2007.
Union County will provide winners with awards at each grade level of $50 (first place winners) and $25 (second and third place).
Contest winners, their teachers and parents or guardians will be invited to the Union County Freeholder Meeting on April 26, 2007 to receive their awards. Although winners are encouraged to participate, attendance is not mandatory to receive awards.
The winners will be announced at the Shade Tree Advisory Board's next meeting which is on Tuesday,
February 20, 2007. |
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