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Many efforts have taken place throughout Clark County to promote a positive environment. 

While most have been undertaken by adults, children were involved in one of the most recent. 

The garden club at Conkwright Elementary School recently came together with staff and more to plant a trio of new trees in the back of the school building at 360 Mt. Sterling Road. 

“[Shanda] Cecil contacted me a couple [of] months ago and asked if we could use any trees,” said Conkwright Elementary School Principal Megan Swart. “We were excited. The blacktop is where we use half of the time for recess, so we thought having some [nearby] shade for our kids if they needed it…would be great.” 

While Cecil, who currently serves as Stormwater Coordinator for the City of Winchester, first came up with the idea, it was Christy Bush who took it one step further. 

Bush currently serves as the Clark County Public Schools Initiative, and was present for the tree planting. 

“{She] had a great idea,” Swart further acknowledged. “We already had a gardening club, so making it a collaboration…is what we ended up with today.” 

As others, including Clark County Public Schools Superintendent Dustin Howard, gathered to watch the tree planting, Cecil instructed students through each step of the process. 

She discussed how – although the outdoor weather was cold – planting during a dormant period could be effective. 

“The reason we want to plant in the fall, winter, or before the leaves start [developing] is because it allows these roots to get set,” she told members of the gardening club. “The roots are the most important thing. They’re going to bring the water up in the tree…it allows them to kind of get comfortable before the weather gets hot and they have to really do their job.” 

Equipped with gardening gloves and more, Cecil also guided students through the process. 

Among other points, she emphasized how to add mulch and the importance of the process, such as the fact that it retains moisture. 

Before long, utilizing shovels and more, students themselves took action in making sure trees are planted that will soon provide a place of cover for themselves and their classmates. 

For Swart, the experience is one providing practical learning and outreach. 

“I love…real life opportunities for our kids to make connections with people in the community,” she said. 

As the school looks to utilize collaborative learning, it provided another exciting opportunity. 

“Being outside with each other and with other people and exploring and getting to do it authentically [are] the kind of things that we want our [students] to be able to do,” she added.