Cole Middle School students will plant ten trees and start work with the American Forests’ Living Classroom program on Friday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m.

Living Classrooms are tree-planting projects for schools that combine history and environmental education. American Forests developed the program to provide teachers with a unique way to teach students history, environmental education, science, geography, mathematics and arts. In addition to the trees, the Living Classroom gift includes software, a video, books and lesson plans.

Cole Middle School principal Nicole Veltze will accept the Living Classroom, sponsored by donations from Wild Oats Markets, Inc. and Natural Touch. Eighth grade students will plant one of the trees during the presentation. Throughout the rest of the day, sixth and seventh grade classes will plant the other trees around the schoolyard.

Colorado State Forester Jim Hubbard will also speak on wildfire management and about Wildfire ReLeaf, a national campaign created by American Forests that works to restore ecosystems through tree plantings. Representatives from Natural Touch will also announce a commitment to plant 30,000 trees for Wildfire ReLeaf.

American Forests is a nonprofit organization that plants trees for environmental restoration and promotes forestry research and education through programs such as Wildfire ReLeaf and Living Classroom.

Cole Middle School is located at 3240 Humboldt Street, 303-391-6564. For more information on the Living Classroom or American Forests, contact Rachel Brittin at 303-296-8421.