Go Green Youth Challenge Tree Planting

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance along with ITC and DTE Energy Foundation celebrated with Daniel Axford and Oxford Elementary-Extended Day Program, the grand prize winner of the Go Green Youth Challenge (GGYC) on June 6th. The GGYC engages Michigan youth in environmental stewardship, community development and service-learning through a statewide effort to plant trees in Michigan. Children, pre-K through 12^th grade, were challenged to collect coins, as an individual, classroom or club, from Jan. 15 – April 1, 2011.  The coins collected directly fund community tree plantings. As the team that raised the most for the GGYC, Daniel Axford and Oxford Elementary-Extended Day Program were awarded 15 trees to plant in their community! They also attended the State Arbor Day Celebration on April 29 at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

“The day couldn’t have been more perfect. The students were very excited to know they helped raise money to plant trees in Michigan and their own community. Even as elementary students they know trees help provide oxygen, shade and homes for birds. This is what our program is all about, educating youth about the importance of trees so they can pass the message on to their peers and family,” said Rachael Wood, Michigan Arbor Day Alliance Program Coordinator.

A ground breaking ceremony was held at Daniel Axford Elementary. Students participated in an interactive discussion about why and where we should plant trees. They also had the opportunity to ask tree questions from a forester. After the ceremony, 15 trees were planted with the help of volunteers from the GGYC Grand Prize Team, Oxford Parks and Recreation, ITC, DTE Energy Foundation and Michigan Arbor Day Alliance. The tree planting sites included Daniel Axford Elementary, Oxford Elementary and Seymour Lake Park.  Photos of the event and planting can be view at, http://www.miarborday.citymax.com/photoalbum.html.

The Go Green Youth Challenge raised a total of $20,850 for tree planting in Michigan.  Michigan Arbor Day Alliance would like to thank everyone who participated including the sponsors, ITC, DTE Energy Foundation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eaton Conservation District and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union.

Invitation to Attend Community Tree Planting

We are excited to announce that Daniel Axford and Oxford Elementary-Extended Day Program is the grand prize winner of the Go Green Youth Challenge. The Go Green Youth Challenge engages Michigan youth in environmental stewardship, community development and service-learning through a statewide effort to plant trees in Michigan. Children, pre-K through 12^th grade, were challenged to collect coins, as an individual, classroom or club, from Jan. 15 – April 1, 2011.  The coins collected directly fund community tree plantings. As the team that raised the most for the Go Green Youth Challenge, Daniel Axford and Oxford Elementary-Extended Day Program are awarded a tree planting in their community. They also attended the State Arbor Day Celebration on April 29 at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

“We are very excited to have won the Go Green Youth Challenge. We think “green” in our Oxford Schools, and our motto is “creating a world-class education today to shape tomorrow’s selfless, global leaders.”  With this being said, we believe that raising money to help plant trees in our state is a wonderful way to help ensure a healthy environment for our future leaders,” said Linda Travnikar, team representative.

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance invites you to attend the grand prize community tree planting in Oxford.  The event will take place Monday, June 6th at 1:00pm.  A ground breaking ceremony at Daniel Axford, located at 74 Mechanic, will begin at 1:00pm along with a group photo of the winning students.  Attendees are invited to help plant 15 trees. Tree planting sites include both elementary schools and Seymour Lake Township Park.

The Go Green Youth Challenge raised a total of $20,850 for tree planting in Michigan.  Michigan Arbor Day Alliance would like to thank everyone who participated including the sponsors, ITC, DTE Energy Foundation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eaton Conservation District and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union.

DTE Energy Foundation Supports Go Green Youth Challenge

We are excited to announce that DTE Energy Foundation is stepping up to contribute $10,000 to support the Go Green Youth Challenge. 

The donation provided by DTE Energy Foundation will match funds raised (up to a set amount) by Go Green Youth Challenge participants in their service area.  This will result in trees planted directly in the DTE service area.

“This is a great boost to the Go Green Youth Challenge.  We are excited to partner with the DTE Energy Foundation to raise awareness about the importance of trees and involving youth in that conversation,” said Rachael Wood, Michigan Arbor Day Alliance Program Coordinator.

The team that raises the most for the Go Green Youth Challenge, will be awarded a tree planting in their community and an invitation to the State Arbor Day Celebration on April 29 at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

Tree planting sites include school yards and conservation areas such as stream bank stabilization and habitat restoration. Through a survey, participants can provide input on where trees should be planted throughout Michigan.