Students Toss Umbrellas, Get Their Hands Dirty

Some students started 's with umbrellas in their hands.

"I thought about saying something, but thought, I'll let them figure it out," said , an environmental science teacher following the Tuesday morning event.

Within minutes, in spite of the drizzling rain, umbrellas were left in the grass and students were getting their hands dirty planting more than 20 native trees on school property.

The Baltimore County Forestry Board purchased the trees as part of an ongoing environmental education partnership with schools and county government. Species included red maple, tulip poplar, red bud and white oak.

"They worked wonderfully well as a team," said Pat Ghinger, an environmental educator with Baltimore County.

helped the school achieve recognition.

"I think it's great to continue what we're doing ... being a green school means keeping up those standards," Budinger said.