Laguna Niguel Third Graders Learn About Arbor Day

A number of third graders in Laguna Niguel learned why trees are so important thanks to the local Rotary Club this week.

In honor of National Arbor Day, on April 27, the club continued its annual tradition of distributing trees to third graders and to educate the children.

Members spent the week visiting seven elementary schools in Laguna Niguel to distribute lemon berry trees. 

According to member Ron Perella, the trees will grow from 3 to 10 feet high and 4 to 20 feet wide. 

"Yes, when the tree bears the ripe berries they  can be soaked in hot water to produce a tart lemon-tasting beverage. Steeping in almost boiling water produces a stronger drink than steeping in sun-heated water," he said. 

Rotarian Vito Ferlauto organized the project by getting the trees and providing seven teams of three members arriving at the schools at 7:30 a.m. to tell the story about Arbor Day and distribute the trees. 

The reactions of the children were of excitement and they grateful for the gifts. They asked a lot of questions such as:

"If I suck on the berry will they really taste like lemonade?" "How long will it take to grow high enough so I can climb the branches?" "I don't have a yard, will the tree grow in a pot?" "I think the trees are cute" "What color will the berries be?" "Will there be flowers?" 

"The children were well schooled about trees, Arbor Day and the importance of having trees for our environment," Perella added.

Laguna Niguel's official tree is the The Jacaranda.