In a collaboration between Irvington High School and Dows Lane Elementary School, a group of students came together to plant eight native red oak saplings as part of the “Little Leaf” project.
The idea for the project was coordinated through the leadership of Environmental Club coordinator Alex Lengers and Dows Lane Garden Club coordinator Alissa Campbell. Together, they created a dedicated space in the Dows Lane Elementary School Garden for the young saplings.
“What started as an idea from Irvington High School student Alexandra Ziff-Gluck came to fruition this spring as students planted tree saplings in our garden,” Principal Dr. Andrea Kantor said. “We are all thrilled for this collaboration.”
Once the red oaks are more mature, they will be transplanted to the O’Hara Nature Center, where they will continue to grow into fully developed trees.
“The goal of this program is to not only replenish our forests but to also inspire a young generation of people who care about the environment and will aid it as they continue to grow,” Lengers said.
This hands-on experience reflects the mission of Irvington High School’s Environmental Club, which is to raise awareness about issues affecting the natural world and to foster a sense of environmental responsibility. The project connected the younger students with the environment by planting trees before witnessing and investigating the tree growth process over the years.
