LkwdGreenTeam Touts Gift-A-Tree Program

In April 2016, Lakewood City Schools partnered with the City of Lakewood to expand the city’s Gift-a-Tree Fund to the school district. Three years into the program, donations have been made that will benefit Lakewood students and the community for generations to come.

Since the program started, donations have made it possible to plant 11 trees at school buildings across the District. The trees planted have been different varieties including Patriot and American Elms, Sawtooth Oak and Red Maple. Depending on the species, the trees range from $250-300.

The recently formed LkwdGreenTeam has endorsed the program as one of the steps our community can take to help the District become more eco-friendly. The team hopes to also improve conservation efforts by installing rain barrels at buildings such as the one at the new pollinator garden created at Lakewood High School this summer.

A number of studies have shown that shade trees provide cooling benefits to people, but also reduce cooling costs of buildings and extend pavement life. Trees also have been found to reduce noise pollution, and storm-water runoff. They also generate oxygen and remove air pollution.

Money donated to the fund goes toward the purchasing and planting of trees on school grounds as well as for the care of trees after planting in order to give them the best chance to grow and reach maturity.

To donate to the Give-a-Tree Fund, go to the District website at www.lakewoodcityschools.org and click on the Give-a-Tree link under Quick Links on the homepage.