 — More — » About our staff » About The Home Depot » Media Advisory  » Spanish Media Advisory » Resources for Educators
Arbor Day in PhoenixTen major cities became greener in 2006 thanks to a generous grant from The Home Depot Foundation for Arbor Day celebrations. The grant supported The Home Depot Foundation's Healthy Community and Wildland Forests - Urban Forest Restoration initiative, a nationwide effort that focuses on tree planting to restore urban and rural forests. The fun, educational events also taught children and volunteers about the important benefits of trees in their communities. We kicked off the events in Atlanta on Georgia's state Arbor Day, February 17. From there, we moved on to Kansas City, where we planted trees in the Ivanhoe Park area on March 7. On April 28th, we held tree planting events in Albany, Boston, Dallas, Phoenix, and Reno. Los Angeles followed on May 7, Chicago on May 15, and Minneapolis on May 19. The Arbor Day Foundation worked with city officials, urban foresters, and community groups in each city to determine specific locations and tree species for the planting celebrations. Approximately 100 large trees were planted in each location, adding beauty, helping to purify the air, and creating shade for residents to enjoy. School children in each city helped to plant the trees as part of Arbor Day celebrations, giving them an opportunity to take an active role in improving their own communities and to interact with nature and the world around them. Participating teachers received Activity Guides to help them present nature education lessons in preparation for the events. These lessons included hands-on and outdoor exploration activities to help children build crucial observation and problem-solving skills. After each event, every child who took part also received a seedling to plant at home or elsewhere in the community. The Arbor Day Foundation appreciates this tremendous support of our mission through these programs and The Home Depot Foundation's commitment to improving communities and the environment throughout America! Contact:
Dan Lambe |
