Local students will plant nearly 40 fruit trees and shrubs at The Urban Farm in Stapleton on Friday, Aug. 19 as part of the national "Fruit Tree 101" program.
The official planting ceremony will take place between 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at The Urban Farm after students receive a lesson about the importance of fruit, healthy eating and the impact trees have on the environment.
"Fruit Tree 101" is an educational and environmental program that brings fruit tree orchards to schoolyards so students can participate firsthand in improving the quality of their air and water while also providing a source of healthy snacks, according to the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) website.
FTPF along with Stretch Island Fruit Company established the "Fruit Tree 101" program in 2007 to address proper nutrition and sustainability with students across the country. To date, more than 2,200 trees have been planted, resulting in 388,830 pounds of oxygen and the ability to offset nearly 500,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the participating school’s grounds each year, FTPF and Stretch Island announced in a press release.
According to their website, The Urban Farm in Stapleton is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children living in high-risk, urbanized neighborhoods, in order to create a sense of positive self-regard and self-reliance, a strong work ethic, and hope.
To learn more about "Fruit Tree 101" or to bring the program to your school, visit the FTPF website for more information.