Norwood News

At a relatively new Bronx elementary school on Webster Avenue, not far from Fordham Road, students are learning how to take care of the trees in their neighborhoods and gaining an understanding of why it’s important.

The Bronx Community Charter School, which currently only has kindergarten and first grade, recently held its first annual Family Street Tree Action Day.

Inspired by the Million Trees NYC Initiative, which is Mayor Bloomberg’s push to bring a million new trees to city streets and parks, the day brought 50 families together to learn about caring for the trees and plant life surrounding the school building and build a spirit of activism.

In the weeks leading up to the tree day event, students were brought outside each day to care for the trees. They would water and plant flowers around the sidewalk tree pits.

“The primary thing is to teach them how to care for the trees,” said Sasha Wilson, co-director of the school.

Students benefit because they directly see the impact of their work, said school aide Anna Lugo. “It has them claim ownership to the community,” she said. “We hope to have families go home and adopt a [street] tree.”

After participating in the event, students and their families were given a bucket with tools to take home and use to care for a tree in their neighborhood.

“Trees need raising and nurturing, like babies,” said Ian Jack, who works with the Department of Parks and Recreation and attended the event.

Jack said they are trying to raise awareness among young people and this was the first time an event like this was being done in any city.

Victor Zuniga, both a parent and a volunteer, said he thinks the kids will catch on. “I think the children will learn to care for the trees,” he said.