Earth Force CHAMPs students at Pfeiffer-Burleigh help launch the Tree Vitalize Metro in Erie. This is a state wide tree planting initiative of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The City of Erie received $42,500 to plant trees.  The Earth Force CHAMPS students are taking this initiative and assisting the City of Erie in this effort. On October 21, 2008 at a press conference with Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, State Representative Patrick Harkins, Cindy Dunn, deputy director of DCNR, Superintendent Dr. Barker, Ms. Sheridan, principal at Pfeiffer-Burleigh, Sharon Gregg the Earth Force facilitator at Pfeiffer-Burleigh stated: "I am honored to be a part of such and important grant project of the City of Erie and I am proud that Pfeiffer-Burleigh was selected as the location to plant the 1st tree in an effort to revitalize the tree population in our metropolitan area.
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As a teacher and Earth Force facilitator, my role in this project is to empower the students at Pfeiffer-Burleigh to solve environmental problems such as the loss of tree cover in Pennsylvania.
Earth Force meets once a week to discuss environmental issues within our community, we research options for influencing policy and execute that plan by taking civic action. My goal is to take today's event a step further. The students will... -- Conduct a tree inventory to determine the areas in most need of trees -- then, we may create flyers or talk to neighbors to educate the community on the value of trees We hope to help neighbors obtain rebates to help with the cost of planting and tending those trees. Lastly, we will assist our neighbors in planting these trees. 
I am optimistic that the efforts of the students at Pfeiffer-Burleigh will attract new residents and investors to build a thriving urban community. These young people are our city future. Each day they are learning how their efforts impact our city." |
Tree Vitalize Metros
Date: 23 Oct 2008
Author/Source:
School: Pfeiffer-Burleigh CHAMPS
Location: Erie