In the News

SPRINGFIELD — Students and staff at Samuel Bowles Elementary School joined local officials in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday with a tree planting in memory of paraprofessional Lynne Ainsworth.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno were among those taking part in the annual Arbor Day celebration. They praised Springfield’s stewardship and protection of trees and the city’s designation as a “Tree City USA” 35 years ago when Neal was mayor.

The dedication of the tree in memory of Ainsworth, who died in 2020, was provided by teachers Holly Martin and Laura Stuart-Wonderlie. It stated: “May the roots of this tree spread strong and grow deep, just as her love did for every soul she touched. Lynne’s memory will live on in our Bowles School Family as this tree blossoms and grows.”

Students provided their thoughts about the importance of trees and read poems including “Trees! Trees! Trees!” that touched on benefits “from berries to cherries, from apples to grapes,” adding, “we give them love, we give them care.”

The students shared information including that an average tree absorbs 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, and that there are more trees today than there were 100 years ago through “proper forest management.”

Neal said Arbor Day is a reminder of the challenges facing the world, “not the least of which is climate change.” The trees do not just provide shade but also help prevent soil erosion and protect groundwater, he said.

Sarno, who was again wearing a necktie fashioned from wood, said trees help maintain a strong environment. He compared the students with trees, saying they sprout strong trunks and branch out.

Others taking part in the speaking program were principal John Doty, city forester Alex Sherman and Jose Delgado, director of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Western Massachusetts office.

Sherman told the students they are part of the younger generation that must continue to care for trees. The city provided students with new trees to plant at home.

In response to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony involved a smaller number of students in spaced-out seating and wearing masks. Other students were able to watch via Zoom.

Ainsworth’s family members were also present for the ceremony.