Summerland Elementary students plant trees

A windbreak, of sorts, will eventually provide shade and protection along the west service driveway at Summerland Public Schools.

On Oct. 5, elementary students planted 10 trees received from the Ten Free Trees program through the Nebraska Forest Service and Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

James Ramold, of Ewing, applied for the grant, which stipulates trees must be planted on public property and “provide clear public benefit.”

Great Plains Nursery, of Weston, delivered trees to the site.

Elementary Principal Cathy Cooper, along with maintenance staff member Tony Tabbert, guided students through the planting process. Each student scooped up a handful of dirt and packed it around the tree’s root system.

Once the tree was planted, students gave the trees drinks of water and added mulch.

Different varieties of trees were planted, based on planting location and availability.

Trees ranged in height from four to eight feet.