Get ready to branch out with Seattle Parks and Recreation's TrEE program, an initiative that intertwines the growth of urban greenery with the nurturing of young minds. This special lunchtime webinar set for December 6, from noon to 1 PM, is an opportunity to dig into the roots of how trees can elevate our city's educational and socio-economic landscape. Interested folks can register here for this free exchange of knowledge. But act fast because seats will probably go quickly like the finest mulch in springtime.
Seattle's Maple School Ravine serves as the fertile ground for the TrEE program. Grover Cleveland STEM High School students have already reaped the benefits, with over 330 participating in habitat restoration and hands-on learning. The initiative demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to environmental and educational equity, providing tools, gloves, plants, and guidance without straining students' budgets.
Nicolasa Hernandez, the eagle-eyed community naturalist for Central & Southeast Seattle, alongside Penny Rose, SPR’s tenured Public Education Program Specialist and School Programs Coordinator, will spearhead the webinar. As Parkways reports, Hernandez, known for blending cultural heritage with a passion for the natural world, vows to reveal the hidden natural jewels residing in urban settings.
Meanwhile, Penny Rose, who corrals both school programs and public education initiatives across the city, is looking to deepen community ties amidst the greenery of Seattle. The TrEE program, through its slew of community and internal partnerships, has cultivated an innovative approach to exposing underserved communities to their local ecosystems. It's a tapestry of nature education, emotional learning, and sustainability accessible to every Seattleite, young and old.
Fret not for those who can't uproot themselves to join in person. There’ll be photographs, stories, and a deluge of information to absorb from the comfort of your leafy enclave. So, mark your digital calendars and prepare for an education that’s as rich as the soil that anchors the mightiest of oaks.
