Spruce Up America is a program designed to bring teachers, students, parents, and community organizers together to improve the local environment. The program is open to all schools in Cortland County to develop environmental projects, including tree plantings and/or forest management plans such as but not limited to a living snow fence, wind break or wildlife habitat. Teachers and students work together with a civic group to plan out a project on community owned property. An application is submitted to the Cortland County SWCD, and they are reviewed and accepted depending on funding. The Soil and Water Conservation District provides technical assistance for project planning, and project materials, including seedlings and trees, which are purchased with donations and are provided at no cost to schools doing projects.
Here are some ways you can help:
Parents and Students:
Urge your class, group, or teacher to participate, encourage civic groups to participate and make donations, participate in a project.
Teachers:
Participate in developing a project for your class or school, encourage other teachers to get involved as well, and publicize the program.
Community Groups & Local Government:
Cooperate with classes to plan and implement a project, make a donation to the program, identify areas of concern where groups could coordinate a project, and publicize and participate in projects.
Businesses:
Sponsor Spruce Up America by making a donation for materials, promote and publicize the program.
For more information on how your school or group can participate, or for more information, feel free to contact us at (607)-756-5991.
Link to application form
