May Howard Elementary School, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Savannah Tree Foundation (STF) are pleased to announce a community tree planting where 63 trees will be added to the school campus on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.  The trees will shade the school’s playground equipment and students.  This tree planting has been made possible by a grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission’s “Making the Shade” grant program for Georgia schools. 

Project partners include May Howard PTA and Faculty, Coastal Master Gardeners, SCAD Men’s Soccer Team, Cub Scout Pack 26, Georgia Southern Botanical Garden, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Jerry Holcomb (Consulting Arborist) and Islands Mothers Club.

After a brief planting tutorial, volunteers will plant, stake, water and mulch the new trees.  The trees will be planted near the playground to the right of the campus. 

The Making the Shade Program, created by the Georgia Forestry Commission in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and Milliken & Company, is designed to create healthier, shaded playground areas on elementary school campuses throughout Georgia. The Georgia Forestry Commission encourages communities to maximize the benefits of trees while minimizing any relevant risks. Technical and financial assistance, up to $10,000, is available to plant trees on school grounds. A dollar for dollar match is required.  

For more information, call STF at 233-TREE or visit www.savannahtreefoundation.com.