ARLINGTON COUNTY, Va. — Arlington County students are about to breathe easier as 100 new trees are planted on school grounds will ensure they have plenty of fresh air for all their outdoor shenanigans
The county’s Department of Parks and Recreation's Urban Forestry Office is working with Arlington Public Schools to get the trees planted on school grounds. The project is funded by the Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant Program.
But why are they doing it? Well, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation, they want to increase access to trees and tree canopies for children at public schools. The department says it hopes more access will enhance the health, wellbeing and educational outcomes of students.
Arlington Public Schools Board Chair Mary Kadera thanked the county for the donation of 100 trees.
“As these trees are planted, we are enhancing the outdoor learning opportunities for our staff and students, investing in the future of our community, and mitigating the effects of climate change for the next generation,” Kadera said.
The trees will be planted this fall through the end of 2024. Schools in areas considered disadvantaged by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool or with lower tree equity scores from the American Forests Tree Equity Program will be given priority.
This project is just one of many in a plan to get Arlington County to 40% tree canopy coverage. The Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant Program wants to raise awareness of the positive effects trees can have on water quality in the Commonwealth and provides funding for tree-planting projects that do that.
