Planting blitz highlights value of trees in Cranberry Township
CRANBERRY TWP — Over the last four years, more than a thousand trees have been planted within the township through planting blitzes, according to Mike Manipole, township police community service officer. A few more are underway.
On a cool Tuesday morning, student volunteers from Seneca Valley School District gathered near 103 Cherrington Drive to plant new trees. Students were joined by district staff volunteers and guided by Jessica Shaffer, an environmental scientist with FirstEnergy.
Schaffer taught participants tree planting techniques, explained how trees grow and also spoke on their value to communities.
Before heading to the planting site in the woods, volunteers gathered outside the township’s municipal center, joined by FirstEnergy and township employees.
Students partaking in the activity were excited for a day ahead out in nature. When asked who was looking forward to outdoor learning away from their usual desks by Tracy Vitale, district superintendent, all hands went up.
“Technology can really suck us in and this is a great chance to step away from that,” Vitale said.
Robi Lombardo, manager of external affairs at FirstEnergy, threw a ceremonial “first pitch” with a clump of soil into the back of a trailer.
In addition to planting trees, students were tasked with finding a treasure hidden on-site for a prize, Manipole said.
After the digging and sowing, volunteers were scheduled for a stop at the Cranberry Township Community Park for lunch, before students dispersed for home.
Manipole encouraged students to take a moment during the planting to sit under a tree in silence. Just a handful of trees can make a big difference, he noted.
“Every tree does a lot for us, provides oxygen and environments for things to live in,” he said.
Shaffer said evidence suggests communities with more trees are happier and more calm. Vitale said evidence suggests trees emit chemicals which make people feel better.
“If that's the case, we should all be outside more,” she said.
“Being a product of our environment, where we all contribute, makes us so much richer, not in money, but in who we are as people,” said Manipole.
Shaffer told students, “Not only are you helping the environment in the community today, you're helping yourself.”
The student volunteers may stay in Cranberry or move out in the future, but Manipole said the work on Tuesday will contribute positively toward the township’s future.
Shaffer noted the planting activity was a good networking opportunity to connect with working professionals with FirstEnergy and the township.
“These guys are all here because they like volunteering in the community, but also, they're recruiting you for future jobs,” Manipole said.
Manipole highlighted the collaborative nature of the day, saying, “You're only as strong as the people that are around you.”
