New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Partnership offers free ‘graduation trees’
NEW HAVEN — In lieu of a ceremony, why not opt for something greener?
The Urban Resources Initiative and the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies announced they will offer free “graduation trees” to the class of 2020, to be planted in the yard of graduates. The program is free because of donations from the Green
Fund for Greater New Haven, the Connecticut Urban Forestry Council and other contributors.
The program is intended for graduates from kindergarten to middle school, high school, college, and all other graduates.
Adrian Huq, a senior from Metropolitan Business Academy and a local climate justice advocate, came up with the idea.
“As a current high school senior, I understand the let down the Class of 2020 feels in not being able to spend their last months with their teachers and classmates, enjoy senior activities, and of course, have a graduation,” Huq said in a statement. “What better way to honor this accomplishment and mark this new beginning than to plant a tree? No matter how far from home you go after high school, this tree will remain grounded, waiting upon your return.”
The planting won’t begin until the program receives clearance from the government and public health officials, but URI is accepting requests, surveying sites, and placing yard signs at the location of future graduation trees.
Graduates can request a tree at uri.yale.edu/get-involved/ request-free-tree.