On a sunny day in May, Park School first- and second-graders marched up Casper Mountain ready to dig and plant trees. They had their backpacks on, sun hats perched on their heads, gloves ready to go and plenty of energy.

Park School and the Bureau of Land Management teamed up on May 7, 2008, to plant trees outside Casper, Wyo., along Highway 220. Student planted trees in an area that the Jackson fire burned in 2006. That area lies within the North Platter watershed.River 

This is the second year for the project. “The trees we planted last year washed away with all the moisture,” said BLM forester Cindy Allen. “This year we are forming water bars with rocks and planting Aspens trees and Chokecherry and Sumac shrubs. Jackson Canyon Fire diminished a lot of vegetation. The trees will hold the water and prevent erosion of the soil.”

There were three parts to planting the trees, and every student got to try out each task. Allen started out showing them how to gather rocks and form a water bar to prevent the soil from washing away. Students enjoyed roaming around the area finding different sized rocks, along with discovering different insects and butterflies.

Next she showed them how to dig holes with a dibble bar (a shovel-like tool) and a hoedad (a pick-like tool). Dibble bars and hoedads were very popular with the kids, who enjoyed using the dibble bars. Only the adults, however, had permission to use the hoedads, and BLM firefighters were on hand to help them.

With the holes ready, it was time to plant the trees. “Trees have a root ball and breathe just like humans do,” said Allen as she showed students how to carefully carry the trees and place them in the holes. Allen dipped the trees in an absorbent gel to aid the roots in retaining moisture.

Park students have prepared for this project all winter, according to teacher Beth Bergslien. Students learned how to identify plants, animals and insects. They will compare the trees they planted this year to last year and see how many survived. “Some students had homes on the mountain during the Jackson Canyon fire,” Bergslien said. “They are very concerned about another fire, and this project helps them.

It was a great day for BLM and the students. They planted more than 150 trees and shrubs. “This gives kids to opportunity to participate in the watershed, the mountain – their home,” Allen said.