Reposted from KPLC TV
Lake Charles, La. (KPLC) – The City of Lake Charles has announced the launch of Phase II of the #ReTreeLC initiative.
After planting over 2,500 trees in Phase I, the city plans to branch out in its effort to restore the area’s ecosystem while continuing to replenish public spaces with trees and native grasses, city officials say.
“We launched #ReTreeLC about a year ago, and it was a resounding success. We had so much positive feedback from the community, and thanks to our corporate sponsors we were really able to promote it and planted thousands of trees,” Mayor Nic Hunter said Thursday.
Northrop Grumman teamed up with the city and other elected officials as they launched Phase II of this special program at Hillcrest Park.
Northrop Grumman Site Director Eric Price said efforts like #ReTreeLC are essential to our future.
“We see this as what is making future for the rest of us, this is the legacy we can give back to for future generations, to make sure they have the thing they need,” said Price.
This next phase will allow them to partner with the Calcasieu Parish School Board, McNeese State University and the Calcasieu Parish Public Library where they’ll host educational outdoor classroom experiences.
“The students will be able to touch the tree, feel the tree, get exposed to the tree as the teacher is educating the students on the environmental benefits of that tree,” said Calcasieu Parish Superintendent Shannon LaFargue.
#ReTreeLC organizers hope as the trees begin to grow, so will the minds of young people in the community.
In conjunction with Louisiana Arbor Day, the city and sponsor Northrop Grumman will give away native tree species at Hillcrest Park on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon.