Michael Finster helps Dr. David Hyde and Mary Hyde haul their freshly cut tree (photo by Aaron Zaremsky)
School Forest builds festive character
- Published: December 5, 2010
The School Forest organization almost reads like a textbook example of character-building clichés. It’s just too perfect. Hard work, dedication, respect for the environment AND community building? It’s easy to see why this has been a Yellow Springs tradition since 1947.
John Day, who has been the advisor for the organization for seventeen years, explained that he took on the roll because he loved the outdoors, and wanted to spread that enthusiasm throughout the school. When he learned about School Forest, he thought, “This is perfect.”
Students are responsible for planting, caring for and finally cutting the trees. They see firsthand the positive consequences of their time and effort. School Forest is also an outdoor activity, and definitely fosters a sense of environmental responsibility. Finally, the students cut and sell the trees to the local residents as a community service.
If you would still like to purchase a homegrown, homecut Christmas tree, the School Forest Festival will still be operational today from 9 am to 2pm.
One Response to “School Forest builds festive character”
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What serendipity! I just mentioned the experience of selling trees from the School Forest in a Christmas feature I wrote for PACIFIC SUN, out here in Marin County, California!
I have happy memories of those cold snowy days in the Fifties. We built warming bonfires and sold hot chocolate and cookies along with the just-cut trees.
The school (at that time Bryan High) was years ahead of the rest of the country in its conservation lessons for us. I am so happy to see the work goes on and the pleasures continue.
Pat (Sayer) Fusco, San Anselmo, CA