11 schools to get playground trees

The Arkansas Forestry Commission will provide shade trees for 11 school playgrounds this fall as part of its Shade Trees on Playgrounds initiative.

The program’s goal is to supply shade trees for schools where play areas are otherwise shadeless, thereby helping to minimize direct sun exposure for children and reduce the risks of adult skin cancer.

Schools that apply for the program must need shade, agree to utilize specified curriculum to teach students how the need for trees and forestry affects the state, hold a tree-planting ceremony, and agree to care for the trees after planting. Qualifying schools, selected by the commission, receive five shade trees, mulch, watering supplies, and planting guidelines.

The schools are:

BAXTER COUNTY

Viola Elementary School

CRAWFORD COUNTY

Parkview Elementary School

FAULKNER COUNTY

Springhill Elementary School

GARLAND COUNTY

St. John’s Catholic School

INDEPENDENCE COUNTY

Ascent Children’s Health Services

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Gandy Elementary School

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

Bradley Elementary School

LONOKE COUNTY

Lonoke Elementary School

OUACHITA COUNTY

Harmony Grove Elementary School

POINSETT COUNTY

Weiner Elementary School

POLK COUNTY

Acorn Elementary School The forestry commission is part of the Arkansas Agriculture Department. The program will accept new applications in April. More information is available at https://bit.ly/2naPvfs, or by reaching Krista Quinn at (479) 228-7929or krista.quinn@ agriculture.arkansas.gov.