Harford Co. Students Turn Soggy School Grounds Into Future Forest

DUBLIN, MD — An area of Dublin Elementary School's property that's often too wet to use has been transformed into a forest, thanks in part to fourth graders and members of the school's Green Team.

Students traded their desks for an outdoor classroom Oct. 7, helping plant trees as part of the Dublin Elementary School Forest Planting Project.

The project was developed by the Harford County Department of Public Works to address an ongoing problem with a portion of the school's grounds that remains wet and marshy, making it difficult to use. Rather than leave the area unusable, the county developed a reforestation plan to turn it into a healthy, growing forest.

Bry's Lawn Care and Landscaping began planting trees at the site in late September and completed the bulk of the work. Students were given a cluster of approximately 25 trees to plant themselves, working alongside Department of Public Works employees.

County staff explained to the students why certain tree species were selected and how they are suited to thrive in the property's wet, marshy soil.

Students also had an opportunity to ask questions about the trees and their role in the environment, turning the planting project into a hands-on lesson in environmental science and land management.

The project complements Dublin Elementary School's recent achievement of earning Maryland Green School certification. School officials also are interested in eventually creating a mowed pathway through part of the planting area, allowing future students to explore the forest and use it as an outdoor learning space as the trees mature.

For the students who helped plant the trees, the project also provides an opportunity to see the lasting results of their work. As the trees grow, the students will be able to return to the school grounds and see a forest they helped create.