SPOKANE, Wash – Spokane Public School students have been stepping outside of the classroom and getting a little dirt on their hands in the name of restoring our native species on school property.
 
The rain didn’t dampen the spirits at Hamblen Elementary as kindergarteners, their parents, teachers, and students from Ferris High School dug in and carefully planted Ponderosa Pine tree seedlings, provided by Spokane Ponderosa.
 
Hamblen parent Kelli Hernandez said she was thrilled that the school gave the youngest students this opportunity.
 
“It’s such a neat experience for, especially to recognize the kindergarteners for planting these since (they) will be here the longest,” Hernandez said. “The kindergarteners will be able to watch ‘em grow throughout the year.”
 
Spokane Ponderosa members said, by the time the kindergartners leave Hamblen Elementary for middle school, the Ponderosa pine trees could be taller than them.
 
Students at Balboa Elementary, Rogers High School and Lewis and Clark High School also planted trees at their schools this week.