Lake Metroparks, Lubrizol Teach Brentmoor Students About Trees

Sandy Nelson had worked at for 23 years before she volunteered to participate in Lake Metroparks' Trees For Wildlife program.

But nobody recognized her when she greeted all of the Brentmoor first graders Friday dressed as a tree named Woody.

Woody and fellow volunteer Pam Cooper taught the students about trees and the roles they play in nature -- how animals depend on them for food and shelter, sometimes even after they die.

Then they capped their presentation by giving away 52 white spruce saplings (or, as they referred to them Friday, "baby trees,") -- one for each first grader in the school -- and teaching the students how to care for them so they grow.

One student noted to Cooper, "These trees are small."

"Just like you, this young tree is going to get taller every day," Cooper replied. "And, like you, it's going to get stronger and stronger."

This year, the Trees for Wildlife program has given away about 3,000 to first graders in Lake County. They were all donated by Lubrizol.

Lake Metroparks began Trees for Wildlife with the purpose of sharing with first graders the importance of trees in their community and to help students understand how plants, animals, the environment and people are connected.

In its 24 years, the program has given away more than 68,000 trees.

For more information on Lake Metroparks' educational programs, visit the park system's web site.