LITTLE ROCK – Two Southeast Arkansas elementary schools are among schools to receive five shade trees, mulch, watering supplies, and planting guidelines through the Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) Shade Trees on Playgrounds (S.T.O.P.) program.
Nine schools were selected including Hermitage in Bradley County and Poyen in Grant County.
School representatives and AFC foresters met in Little Rock last week for training and tree recommendations. Trees are planted with student input and interaction to create outdoor, hands-on learning opportunities for classrooms.
S.T.O.P. was created to reduce skin cancer risk in children through the creation of more shaded areas on playgrounds.
S.T.O.P. applications are open to all elementary schools, across the eight AFC districts. Contact Patti Erwin to receive S.T.O.P. program applications for the 2015-2016 school year at: patti.erwin@arkansas.gov. Details: Visit www.forestry.arkansas.gov.