Community members plant trees outside Calhoun High School

Bellmore and Merrick community members came together Aug. 4 to plant trees outside Calhoun High School before classes return for the new school year.

The planting was made possible through a partnership between Calhoun High School, local plant nurseries and Wild Ones, a national organization focused on restoring native plant communities and supporting environmentally friendly landscaping practices.

Wild Ones formed its Long Island chapter a few years ago in response to an increase in tree removals across the region. Trees are often removed because of concerns about falling limbs, the accumulation of leaves or aesthetic preferences.

Trees play several important roles in suburban communities. They can capture dust and other airborne particles, reduce the impact of flooding by absorbing rainwater and provide shade for homes and roads during increasingly warm summers.

Trees also provide habitat for native wildlife and birds, produce oxygen and contribute to the overall beauty of the community.

The planting is intended to give current students an opportunity to learn about environmental stewardship while creating a lasting resource for students and community members who will come after them.

The project reflects the broader goal of encouraging residents to take an active role in protecting and improving the local environment for future generations.