Arbor Day 2025: Morton Arboretum helps students plant trees at Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center in West Chatham, Chicago
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Some students in the city’s West Chatham neighborhood rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on assignment on Friday.

The Morton Arboretum teamed up with students at Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center to celebrate Arbor Day.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

With soil and shovels in hand, students planted 15 trees on their campus.

“I really like nature. So, being out here and being able to plant trees is a fun experience, and I get come back and see how they look years after,” said seventh-grader Janae Burnett.

Students even found a few worms along the way.

“For me, it’s been really fun and entertaining to help the little kids learn more about the environment,” said seventh-grader Leah Smith.

The school got in touch with the Morton Arboretum to come by on Arbor Day.

Their task was to add a little bit more green to the outside of their school.

Kim Smolen, an English teacher who has a green thumb, believes it was important to have students of all ages involved.

“I want them to understand that small things can have a big impact,” Smolen said. “They learn how to be become garden stewards, especially for Chicago kids who might not have the chance to garden in their own backyard.”

Members of the Morton Arboretum were present to guide students as they planted but also remind them of the role trees play in our environment.

“Trees have a lot of benefits, especially in cities. They can reduce urban heat. They can cool by shading and by bringing water into the atmosphere, and they can help reduce flooding,” said Morton Arboreum Chicago Region Trees Initiative Director Zach Wirtz.

Organizers of the event say they hope this gives students a deeper appreciation of the environment and promote being good stewards of our planet.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Police say they're 'tired' of Dem cities spending billions on illegal aliens over cops: law enforcement group

Law Enforcement Group Criticizes Allocation of Billions to Support Undocumented Immigrants Over Police in Democratic Cities

Law enforcement representatives express growing frustration in cities and states governed by…
Miami Beach commissioner to donate salary to family of fallen police officer

Miami Beach Commissioner Pledges Salary to Support Family of Fallen Officer

An elected official from South Florida is making a heartfelt gesture by…
Chicago immigration operations: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to speak in Gary, Indiana as Pritzker calls for pause in operations

Amidst Tensions: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Addresses Chicago Immigration Operations in Gary, Indiana Following Pritzker’s Call for Temporary Halt

CHICAGO — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to visit northwest…
2025 Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade to step off down Michigan Avenue in Chicago this November

Don’t Miss the 2025 Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade Lighting Up Michigan Avenue This November!

The vibrant Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade is set to…
Maine network ends primary care after losing Medicaid due to Trump defunding Planned Parenthood

Maine Healthcare Network Halts Primary Care Services Amid Medicaid Cuts Linked to Planned Parenthood Funding Changes

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Amid funding cuts targeting abortion providers by the…
Fury over Dictionary.com's Word Of The Year: '6 7'

Controversy Erupts as Dictionary.com Announces ‘6 7’ as Word of the Year

Dictionary.com has revealed its Word of the Year, and it’s likely not…
BROADWAY REVIEW: Metcalf stuns audience again in ‘Little Bear Ridge Road’

Broadway Review: Laurie Metcalf Captivates Audiences Once More in ‘Little Bear Ridge Road

When some individuals are diagnosed with cancer, they choose to keep their…
Sabu has died: WWE star was 60

Remembering Floyd Roger Myers Jr.: The Beloved ‘Fresh Prince’ Star Who Captivated Hearts at 42

Floyd Roger Myers Jr., a former child actor known for his roles…
Jury convicts California activist who took chickens from Perdue Farms plant

California Activist Found Guilty in Bold Rescue of Chickens from Perdue Farms

In SAN FRANCISCO (AP), a California-based advocate for animal rights, Zoe Rosenberg,…
Detroit police officer appears in virtual court hearing in boxers: 'You got some pants on, officer?'

Detroit Officer Attends Virtual Court in Unconventional Attire: Judge Inquires About Pants

A Detroit police officer stunned a judge after joining a virtual court…
Off-camera hearings for Charlie Kirk's suspected assassin raise warning from legal expert

Legal Expert Raises Concerns Over Off-Camera Hearings in Case of Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin

A judge in Utah is facing criticism for conducting multiple off-camera hearings…
Trump and China's Xi are meeting in South Korea to try to roll back months of trade tensions

Trump and Xi’s South Korea Summit: A Turning Point in US-China Trade Relations?

In Gyeongju, South Korea, President Donald Trump is set to meet with…