Trees were the focus but the kids stole the show in Victoria Park in St. John’s yesterday.
Skies cleared on cue as about a hundred people, including the Grade 6s from nearby St. Teresa’s, gathered below the ball field just before noon.
They were there to mark National Tree Day by speaking and singing about trees, and then planting one.
Principal Tree Hugger and Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary made no bones about her passion for trees and Tree Day, noting they’re more than just eye candy.
“I know that when we talk about trees often times our first go-to is beatification,” she said. “There’s no doubt about it—trees are beautiful, but they provide so much more than beauty, and of course mitigation for climate change.”
O’Leary added they’ve also been known to positively contribute to one’s mental health.
This year marks the 13th year that National Tree Day has been celebrated in Canada.
Grade 6 students from St. Teresa’s elementary perform during a tree-planting ceremony in Victoria Park to celebrate National Tree Day. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/d4jR1B8h8N
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) September 20, 2023
