The Orange Room students of the Family Center got the opportunity to learn about the environment in a unique way on Earth Day. As a part of Missouri's bicentennial celebration, they planted a River Birch tree in Shaw Park with the help of The City of Clayton’s Parks Department. 

“We regularly go on field trips as a part of our curriculum and go on nature walks at Shaw Park,” said Susan Goldwasser. The students would regularly learn about the different plants and trees in Shaw Park on their nature walks. One of the books they read, “The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng”, had inspired them to take action. They decided to do something a little different and came up with the idea to plant a tree.

“Our kids have been learning all year long how to be agents of change…”, said Emily Andes. “In developing and understanding how to be an agent of change it is important to take action.”