What is SPLIT?

 

 

SPLIT (Schools Plant Legacy in Trees) is an educational tree-planting program developed by Urban Forestry in partnership with the Riversdale Kiwanis Club. Each year one elementary school is chosen to participate in the SPLIT program. The entire school, as well as members of the community, participates in activities that help to shape environmental awareness. All students have the opportunity to plant a tree or shrub thereby leaving a legacy that will benefit the community long after the students have graduated.

What does the program involve?

 

 

In the midst of our cold Saskatchewan winter, thoughts and ideas of planting trees, greening the school grounds and adjacent boulevards, begin to take shape. Speakers come to the school and present on topics such as botany, ecology, soil science, insects, tree diseases, and climate change. These educational components introduce the students to the objectives of the SPLIT program.

 

 

When spring arrives and the weather warms the students attend the Forestry Expo. The Expo includes activities such as tree climbing and equipment demonstrations, a greenhouse tour, an invasive weed species and naturalized parks exhibit, an insect and pest control presentation, and indoor interactive displays by various environmental organizations. The Expo offers the entire student body an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities that focus on forestry and the environment.

Teachers, students, parents, and community members roll up their sleeves and plant the trees and shrubs according to the plan designed by the leadership group. After the planting is finished everyone enjoys a BBQ lunch and invited guest speakers take a few minutes to reflect on the program.

Who maintains the trees?

The City of Saskatoon’s Urban Forestry department will assist the school with watering and weeding for three years. After three years, it is the school’s responsibility to water and weed the trees and shrubs planted on their property; maintenance of the trees and shrubs planted on the city boulevard will remain the responsibility of the City of Saskatoon. Students are encouraged to continue to use all of the trees and shrubs as a hands-on learning tool for science and nature related school curriculums.

Where do the trees and shrubs come from?

The trees and shrubs are either donated by local nurseries, grown at the civic nursery or purchased from other sources within Canada.

How can our school get involved with SPLIT?

Any Saskatoon elementary school is welcome to participate in SPLIT. If your school is interested in participating please fill out the form and mail it to the Parks Branch address. There is currently a waiting list.