Front Street has five new trees, thanks to the students at Lincoln Elementary School.
Students have been participating in a "Money Grows Trees Coin War" fundraiser after watching the Dr. Seuss film "The Lorax," which focuses on keeping a healthy environment.
"The city of Jamestown, along with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, are very interested in beautifying our city, and planting as many trees to support our environment as possible. It was a logical alignment in this particular neighborhood to draw the school into the process, and we're very happy to take part in it," said Felix Muzza, Lincoln principal.
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Students from Lincoln Elementary School help to plant five new trees in front of their school.
P-J photo by Liz Skoczylas
Dan Stone, Jamestown arborist, helped students plant five trees recently, including two dwarf jack and jill pear trees and three Japanese lilac trees.
"Each tree has a grade level aligned to it, and as these kids evolve through their years in school, middle school and high school, as they get older they can show their children and grandchildren that they own that tree," Muzza said.
Stone thanked the students for their fundraising efforts in a Dr. Seuss-style speech. Additionally, Randall Sweeney, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation executive director, and Mayor Sam Teresi congratulated the students.
During the fundraiser, students raised $281.66, which was matched by a donation from the foundation.
Students from each grade level also got to get their hands dirty to help plant the five new trees. Each student had the opportunity to shovel dirt to fill the hole in which each tree was placed.
"We are very thankful to the Community Foundation, the city of Jamestown, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, PTA and all of the students and staff making this possible," Muzza said.