The nation’s school children plant the most trees, and the trend is evident at Lakeview Elementary in Albert Lea.

Tuesday, May 01, 2001

The nation’s school children plant the most trees, and the trend is evident at Lakeview Elementary in Albert Lea.

The staff and students at the school have successfully planted, replanted and maintained more than 40 trees in the last 18 years from Spruce to Maple, to Oaks and Elms.

&uot;Trees are both practical and beautiful at Lakeview. We’re trying to build a wind berm for our playground and improve the school grounds at the same time,&uot; said principal David Paschka.

With a strong background in science and environmental studies, Paschka makes sure the entire school is a part of the tree-planting process. Students planted four new trees Monday near the new school’s playground.

&uot;I’ve planted trees every year since I’ve been a principal – about 32 years,&uot; Paschka said. &uot;It’s a very hands-on example of applied science for the students.&uot;

Paschka said he uses profits from the school’s t-shirt company to buy the trees and other supplies. The student directors who run the company are the first to dig when the new trees are planted.

&uot;I want the student directors to know that we need to give back to the community, and planting trees is a wonderful lasting gift,&uot; Paschka said.

The tree plantings are usually coordinated with Arbor Day activities, Paschka said. But the school’s science curriculum includes a tree-identification unit in second grade and a nature program with a trip to Myre-Big Island State Park in fifth grade.

&uot;Our 10.5 acres, with several native species of trees, becomes like a working lab for our classes,&uot; Paschka said.

Paschka gives credit to Performance Landscaping for donating many trees and expertise over the years.

Originating in Nebraska in the 1870s, Arbor Day has become a national holiday typically celebrated in late April, the traditional tree-planting season.

Trees are necessary in the environment to purify air and water, conserve soil and energy, and provide shelter for animals and humans.