PORT ALLEGANY (EC) — The McKean County Conservation District celebrated Arbor Day by sponsoring the “My Growing Tree” program with the assistance of Eric Monger, forester from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry.

The first grade students in Port Allegany each received an Eastern Hemlock seedling and a poster that included charts to enable the students to monitor their own height as well as the growth of their tree. A grant from the Port Allegany United Way funded the purchase of the tree seedlings and charts for the students.  

Sandy Thompson and Jody Grosbeak, from the McKean County Conservation District, spoke about the importance of Arbor Day and how trees help to protect and improve our water resources. Students learned about the importance and uses of trees.  

Eric Monger taught the students that the Eastern Hemlock is Pennsylvania’s state tree and discussed the parts of the tree. Monger also discussed how to plant a tree and led the kids in an activity that illustrates how forests are renewable which points out cutting trees is not bad when practiced in a sustainable manner.  

County Commissioner Cliff Lane led the students as they recited a pledge to conserve natural resources and to work for a clearer and healthier McKean County.  

Arbor Day is always the last Friday in April. For more information on Arbor Day or tree planting, visitwww.arborday.org.