Howard Payne University recently hosted a group of fifth graders from Brownwood’s Coggin Intermediate School for Texas Arbor Day activities. The students participated in fun, outdoor experiences and attended a tree ceremony on campus. HPU hosted the event as part of the university’s Tree Campus USA activities.

Tree Campus USA, a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities for their commitment to campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.

The fifth graders, students from the classroom of Laura Scantling, created bird feeders from pinecones, made leaf and bark rubbings, enjoyed an outdoor-themed snack and listened as an HPU student read the book “The Tree Lady” by H. Joseph Hopkins. Renee Burks of the Texas A&M Forest Service also addressed the students before they helped spread mulch around a newly planted tree on HPU’s campus.

HPU groups assisting with the event included the School of Education, School of Science and Mathematics, Department of Facilities and Maintenance, Department of Public Safety, the Office of University Marketing and Communications, Beta Beta Beta and Delta Epsilon Omega.

Terry Pritchett, assistant vice president for facilities and planning, serves as chair of the university’s Campus Tree Advisory Committee.

“We would like to thank the Brownwood Independent School District, the Texas A&M Forest Service and the many campus groups who helped organize and facilitate this event,” he said.

Pritchett also expressed his appreciation to TXU for the donation of small trees given to the children at the conclusion of the event and to Dr. Jane Metty-Samons, associate professor of education at HPU.