Hillside Christian Schools celebrate ‘Plant-A-Tree Day’ in Sint Maarten

Hillside Christian School in Sint Maarten participated in Plant-A-Tree Day as part of Biodiversity Awareness Month by planting 31 Surinamese cherry trees and 1 basil plant on school grounds. Two planting events were organized at different campuses to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, from the genetic level to the ecosystem level. Asha Stevens-Mohabier, the Chief Executive Director of the school, emphasized the significance of “putting down roots” and learning to nurture life at a young age in her speeches at the events. Nature Foundation staff also highlighted the crucial ecosystem services provided by trees before students from various groups planted the seedlings.

The Surinamese cherry seeds used for the planting were obtained from Stevens-Mohabier’s personal garden and were initially planted by graduating students from the previous school year. The seeds were grown in the greenhouse on the Asha Stevens campus, and it is hoped that this practice will become a new tradition for each graduating class to maintain a connection to the school community. Despite concerns about the trees being located in front of the school gate where students may pick and eat the cherries, it was decided that interaction with the trees is encouraged to foster a connection with nature among the students. The goal is for these trees to become an integral part of the Hillside Christian School experience for current and future students.

Biodiversity Awareness Month, an educational initiative by the Nature Foundation, is observed throughout March in Sint Maarten. The campaign aims to educate the community about various biodiversity topics through daily social media posts and encourages individuals and organizations to take action. By exploring different aspects of biodiversity on the island, the initiative serves as a platform for raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts among the public. The planting events at Hillside Christian School were part of this larger campaign to engage students and highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating the diversity of life on Sint Maarten.

The involvement of students from various age groups in the planting events at Hillside Christian School not only allowed them to participate in a hands-on activity but also served as a learning opportunity about the importance of trees and biodiversity. By actively engaging in the process of planting and caring for the seedlings, students were able to develop a deeper understanding of their role in preserving the environment and contributing to the conservation of nature. The events also reinforced the idea of sustainability and the long-term benefits of investing in the ecosystem through tree planting initiatives.

The planting of Surinamese cherry trees and basil plants at Hillside Christian School reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and promoting a culture of conservation within the school community. By incorporating tree planting into the school’s traditions and educational programs, students are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment from a young age. This hands-on approach to learning about biodiversity and ecosystem services not only enriches the students’ educational experience but also fosters a connection to nature that can inspire them to become future advocates for environmental conservation. The success of these planting events underscores the value of incorporating environmental initiatives into educational institutions to instill a sense of environmental consciousness and promote sustainable practices among students and the wider community.