A place of peace for trees and children in North Canaan

NORTH CANAAN — If you plant a tree every year for 30 years, how many trees will you have? 

Tom Zetterstrom posed this question to the students of North Canaan Elementary School as they gathered in front of the school for Arbor Day on Friday afternoon, May 24. It felt like a trick question, but the answer was, in fact, 30. 

Thirty trees of different species surround the school, one for every past Arbor Day. This year, an American Sycamore was planted. 

Principal Alicia Roy welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem. 

Seven students read poems they had written about trees, with a common theme of the sense of peace and safety trees can offer. 

Then the second grade sang a song about planting a sycamore tree, which was fitting for the occasion. 

Students all pitched in to help mulch and water the tree. Zetterstrom and Selectman Christian Allyn also talked a bit about their work fighting invasive species to keep trees healthy in this area. Both men are graduates of North Canaan Elementary School. 

The sun popped out from the clouds in the middle of the event, making it feel like a true celebration. 

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