Chillicothe City School students plant trees in support of Arbor Day

CHILLICOTHE— More than 400 students in the fourth grade at Chillicothe City Schools gathered in Yoctangee Park Friday to help plant trees in support of Arbor Day.

Arbor day is a day to celebrate trees and all that they give us. The act of planting a tree brings the promise of oxygen, shade and a habitat for wildlife. The park has been celebrating this holiday for over 20 years. 

Students were able to learn about the history of Yoctangee Park, local wildlife and conservation while they visited learning locations throughout the park. While the students enjoyed all of these learning locations many said their favorite part of the day was watching an old tree in the park getting cut down. Students were able to watch from a safe distance as the tree was cut down, this gave them the opportunity to learn about a tree's lifecycle and what happens once a tree dies. 

After a lunch in the park, Mayor Luke Feeney spoke to the students about the importance of trees and the park. He, along with three students, proclaimed April 29, 2022 Arbor Day in Chillicothe. After his proclamation, Feeney helped students to plant two new trees in the park.

Planted this year was a sugar maple tree and a seedless honey locus, both of which will eventually grow over 30 feet tall. They are both located near the main shelter house in the park. While they were planting the students were wowed by the auger used to dig the holes for the trees.

Every student that wanted to participate was able to help throw dirt around the trees and water them. Students will be able to visit the park as they grow up watching as the trees grow as well. Those at the parks department hope these trees will help students become passionate about the park and taking care of nature.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com