Sussex Academy senior and middle school students traveled to the elementary campus May 21 to plant a variety of saplings under the guidance of Bella Terra Landscapes & Garden Center.

Senior Katya Geyer, who organized the project and secured funding through a grant from the Delaware Botanic Gardens, said she had always wanted to create an opportunity that connected middle and high school students.

“This seemed like an amazing idea,” she said. “The elementary campus already has a strong natural environment for new saplings, making it the perfect place to bring students together while creating something that will benefit the school community for years to come.”

Students from the middle school Student Leadership Club, Environmental Club and Leader in Me Lighthouse Team joined high school students from the Green Team to plant about 30 saplings of magnolias and willows near the solar panel system at the elementary campus, and plan to nurture them over the summer to ensure their establishment and survival.

Sussex Academy Middle School Dean Rachael Johnston said transportation for middle school students was made possible through funding provided by a Rodel grant.

“The grant allowed us to transport students to and from the elementary campus, providing them with a meaningful opportunity to collaborate with high school students on a service-learning project focused on environmental stewardship, leadership and community impact,” Johnston said.