In a unique effort to promote environmental literacy and stewardship, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS), in partnership with the Maryland Forest Service (MFS), distributed over 1,500 native tree saplings to fifth-grade students across the county this spring. Students from Sudlersville, Kennard, Grasonville, Bayside, and Matapeake elementary schools each had the opportunity to receive up to three tree saplings—loblolly pine, American plum, and pin oak—to plant at home and foster a lifelong connection with nature.
This initiative is a key component of QACPS’s Environmental Literacy Plan and aligns with Maryland’s Environmental Literacy Standards, ensuring that students not only learn about ecological systems in the classroom but also take meaningful action in their communities.
During the event, MFS staff delivered interactive, hands-on presentations on tree biology and forestry, including demonstrations with tree rings, forestry tools like dibble bars and tree shelters, and engaging discussions about the importance of trees in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
“Our goal is to inspire environmental responsibility in students by giving them a tangible role in improving their environment,” said Michael Page, Supervisor of Environmental Literacy for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. “The excitement from students as they carried home their trees shows just how impactful hands-on environmental education can be.”
The Maryland Forest Service echoed the importance of the initiative. “This partnership allows us to bring forestry to life for students and build a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age,” said Shaun Creasey from the Maryland Forest Service. “Giving a child a tree to plant is giving them a lifelong lesson in stewardship, patience, and sustainability.”
Resources for Families
Whether your family received trees through the giveaway or you’re interested in planting and caring for trees at home, we invite you to explore additional resources and guidance on tree care and planting here, https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/pages/programapps/fmanagement.aspx .