Saint Paul Students Green Their Community
In the heart of Saint Paul, a wave of positive change is underway as passionate young people transform their urban treescape. In partnership with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Tree Trust is training young people to plant and care for trees while reforesting areas of the city devastated by emerald ash borer. “Partnering with Tree Trust to provide Saint Paul youth with environmental job opportunities nurtures a sense of community that will grow as our trees do,” said Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez. “Strengthening our urban canopy through tree planting not only provides shade and beauty, but also serves as a powerful investment in the health of our cities, improving air quality, reducing heat, and fostering wildlife diversity.”
This October during MEA weekend — a four-day break for students — 20 dedicated young people will work to green their community. Students from Johnson High School, Highland Park Senior High School, and Saint Paul Community of Peace Academy will earn a paycheck while exploring green careers through hands-on experience. Under the guidance of Tree Trust staff, these students will plant nearly 220 trees in the neighborhood surrounding Margaret Park on Saint Paul’s East Side.
Saint Paul Community of Peace High School Counselor, Carmita Hall, and Principal, Jason Carver.
Planting Trees Where They Are Needed Most
The neighborhood surrounding Saint Paul’s Margaret Park currently lacks trees on many of the city-owned boulevards. This absence of tree canopy creates an urban heat island — a dense concentration of concrete and buildings or homes that results in higher energy costs, pollution, and heat-related illness. An urban heat island is created when a city or metropolitan area becomes significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to buildings and roads absorbing and retaining heat. Through the natural process of evaporation, trees help release this excess heat. With the addition of trees, residents will breathe easier and enjoy the numerous health benefits of growing shade in their community. Student Alex P. from Saint Paul Community of Peace Academy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to use his time off school to plant trees: “I’m taking the opportunity to give back to the community. It’s going to teach people that everyone can plant trees to help the community grow.”
In addition to the positive benefits of trees for the community, the event directly supports Saint Paul youth in furthering their career goals. Student Counselor Carmita Hall is excited to introduce her students to the workforce: “Tree Trust is giving our students an opportunity to get job experience… Some of our students have never ever worked, so getting that first job is really important.” Participating students will have the opportunity to earn the Minnesota Tree Inspector Certificate. This industry-recognized credential is obtained through passing an online test through the University of Minnesota. This test covers topics such as tree identification and shade tree pest biology and management, including oak wilt management, Dutch elm disease, and emerald ash borer identification. The hands-on planting experience in greening community space leaves a legacy for youth and their Saint Paul community, as they build transferable job skills while stewarding the environment. Learn more about Tree Trust’s Career Pathways programming, here.
