Students at Montessori School plant donated trees

Students at the Falls Church campus of the Montessori School of Northern Virginia celebrated Arbor Day a bit early, as they helped plant trees donated by Casey Trees, a Washington, D.C.-based  non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the tree canopy.

Casey has planted over 12,000 trees in the District since its founding in 2002. The trees are grown on Casey Tree Farm in Berryville, Va. Schools can apply for some trees, and if selected, students learn how to plant and maintain them.

“One of my favorite parts was naming our tree,” said MSNV student Hermela Samuel. “We named ours MonTree, a mix between Montessori and Tree.” Student Charlie Palmer said, “it was  fun because I got to use a pickax.”

“This was a great opportunity for both Casey Trees and our school,” said teacher Jackie Savage, who organized the project. “Both organizations have a deep commitment to making our world a better place by educating and promoting not just a love of nature, but ways to make a difference.”

MSNV students planted several native Virginia trees, including American Basswood, White Pine, American Holly, Sweetbay Magnolia, and Arborvitae.