By Blake Jackson
The Earth Science Center and Penn College programs celebrated Arbor Day on April 24 and Earth Day on April 22 through tree planting, environmental projects, and hands-on student activities. These events helped students learn practical skills while supporting the environment and local communities.
To honor Arbor Day, students in forestry and landscape or plant production majors planted trees at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center in Williamsport. Members of the Penn College Horticulture Club and students in the Sustainable Horticulture class planted nearly 60 bare-root trees over two days. Their work improved green spaces and supported long-term campus beauty.
Penn College also received the Tree Campus Higher Education designation for the 11th year. This recognition was established in 2008 to honor colleges and universities that showed leadership in tree care and environmental planning. Standards for recognition included a campus tree advisory committee, a tree care plan, yearly funding, Arbor Day observance, and student service projects. The Tree Campus program aimed to help schools grow community forests and teach future generations about environmental care.
In Williamsport, a botany class planted trees to help the Public Works Department improve the scenery on Woodland Avenue in the city’s east end. Trees clean air and water, provide wildlife habitat, connect communities, and support health and well-being.
For Earth Day, forest technology students Alex J. Snyder-Wiencek and Jeremy M. Bates planted a horse chestnut tree at the Earth Science Center. Both students received Bartlett Tree Foundation Scholarships.
Another Earth Day activity took place at the Heavy Equipment Operations Site. The Service Technicians and Operators Association held a Movin’ Earth for Earth Day event. Participants operated an excavator and tested their skills by stacking tires or gently lifting and placing an egg.
These Arbor Day and Earth Day events showed how education and teamwork could support the environment. Through planting trees and learning useful skills, students helped build stronger communities and a healthier future.
Photo Credit: pexels-puwadon-sang-ngern
Categories: Pennsylvania, General