Cherokee Conservation District celebrates Arbor Day with students at Village School

The Cherokee Soil and Water Conservation District celebrated Arbor Day on Dec. 8, 2006, at The Village School in Gaffney.

Students from The Village School (bottom) listen to the program presented on Arbor Day by the Cherokee Soil and Water Conservation District. At left, Jane Waters talks with the students about historic trees. The Conservation District was represented by Beth Bradley, district coordinator for the Conservation District; Jane Waters, associate commissioner; and Ken Forrester, program coordinator of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The three presented a program for the students on the importance of trees in our everyday lives as well as described special and one-of-a-kind trees.

The students discussed the importance of trees and what kinds of products are made from trees. They also learned about the first Arbor Day that was celebrated in Nebraska in 1872 and begun by J. Sterling Morton. Arbor Day is celebrated in South Carolina in December because it is the planting season for trees in our climate.

The Conservation District distributed pine seedlings to the students and faculty at The Village School and each student was given a packet with Arbor Day information, puzzles, pencils, bookmarks and activity booklets. Earth Team volunteers Bill and David Painter assisted the Conservation District with preparation of trees and materials for distribution at both schools.

Arbor Day is only one of several education programs sponsored by the Conservation District each year. Funding for the programs is provided through the Conservation District Affiliate Member program.

Businesses and individuals in Cherokee County are invited each year to contribute to the Affiliate Member program. For more information about the programs, contact Bradley at the district office, 864- 489-7150.