Should they go on to become good stewards in their community, they can thank a program that encourages them to interact with nature and gain a lifelong respect for trees.

An Arborvitae, along with a Pink Dogwood, were the newest editions added to Lehighton Area Middle School’s Environmental Center as part of its 25th annual Arbor Day program.

PPL, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission were on hand Friday morning to assist students as they worked inside the school’s Environmental Center.

“It’s important to expose the kids to how they can be involved in their community,” said Jake Hoffner, a member of the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission. “Whether it’s a small involvement or large.”

Seventh-graders Alyson Strohecker, Eliana Rizzo and Gavin Humanick made for a solid trio as they did their part to try to further enhance their beloved Environmental Center.

“It’s pretty cool that we can do this stuff with other people,” Alyson said. “It was fun planting the tree.”

That was much the same sentiment shared by Eliana, who said the program was a fun experience.

“I learned how to plant trees so when I go home, I can plant my own tree,” Eliana said. “I like learning about all the different kinds of trees.”

Gavin said he enjoys landscaping work, and added that the program teaches students such as himself how to look after the environment.

“I’ve usually done work like this,” Gavin said. “It’s mostly about taking care of the land, trees and plants in general.”

Elsewhere, the students also visited the fence where their work for the yearly poster contests are hung. The top three prizes won a Burger King gift card.

Seventh-grade life science teacher Joe Yescavage said the program focused on tree identification and history; planting; and a poster competition.

Yescavage said each student was able to bring a seedling home, adding that 140 tree seedlings were given out.

“If you were to judge the success of today events by the number of smiles, than you would say that it was a success,” Yescavage said. “Students love being outdoors and to experience nature firsthand.”

Yescavage noted that Arbor Day is held the last Friday in April.

“All states celebrated Arbor Day in 1894,” he said. “Today, we did our part to continue this worthy tradition.”