New trees planted at E.C. Glass High School garden by students and staff
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Hidden behind the E.C. Glass High School building, a small garden is underway.
On April 17 and 18, students planted the first seeds that will sprout into trees. The young gardeners were joined by students and staff from the University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg City Schools, and the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF).
The project was brought to life with the help of the VDOF, which provided $20,000 that was funneled through the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC).
The initiative was led by Randolph College professor Dr. Karin Warren of the University of Lynchburg Professor Dr. Laura Henry-Stone.
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Dr. Henry-Stone told WFXR that the new trees will serve two purposes; to provide shade and lessen the effects of what she calls urban heat islands and to bear fruit.
“These are all varieties of American fruit-bearing trees and nuts. So the students might be able to eat these in the future, wildlife will also like them, so its providing habitat for pollinators and for birds,” said Dr. Henry-Stone. “So we are trying to provide an alternative to the traditional grassy courtyard of the high school here.”
The professor says the project was also designed to help the City of Lynchburg be more climate-prepared and provide students with training on how to manage this kind of landscape in the future.
To learn more about the project, click here.
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