Chalmette Elementary 5th Graders Plant Roots for the Future with Campus Tree Initiative

Chalmette Elementary 5th Graders Plant Roots for the Future with Campus Tree Initiative

CHALMETTE, LA — In celebration of environmental stewardship and community pride, 5th grade students at Chalmette Elementary School recently took learning beyond the classroom and into the soil, partnering with the Meraux Foundation to plant a variety of native ornamental and fruiting trees across their campus.

With guidance from Blaise Pezold of the Meraux Foundation and Rollin Black of the Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development, students rolled up their sleeves and got to work, splitting into small teams of three to four to take ownership of individual planting sites. Together, they planted oak trees, Little Gem magnolia trees, Savannah holly trees, a pawpaw tree, Japanese magnolia, a peach tree, and two blueberry bushes - adding to the school’s existing flora.

Trees were thoughtfully placed throughout the campus, with shade trees lining the perimeter of the large play yard and fruiting trees enhancing the school’s inner courtyard - creating both beauty and purpose in shared student spaces.

The project, coordinated by 5th grade teacher Alecia Desselle, was designed to give students a hands-on role in shaping their environment while learning the value of sustainability and responsibility.

“Watching our students take ownership of this project has been incredibly rewarding,” said Desselle. “They weren’t just learning about the environment - they were in it, working together and investing in the future. These trees will grow and provide shade for generations, and one day, our students will drive past this campus as adults and be able to say, ‘I helped plant that.’ That’s a powerful and lasting connection.”

The initiative took place just ahead of Love the Boot Week, a statewide effort led by Keep Louisiana Beautiful that encourages communities to engage in litter removal, recycling, beautification, and sustainability projects.

Assistant Principal Megan Lancaster emphasized the value of community collaboration in making opportunities like this possible.

“We are so grateful for community partners like the Meraux Foundation, Plant the Parish, and dedicated individuals who donated trees and gave their time to help our students,” said Lancaster. “Providing hands-on learning experiences like this at such a young age helps our students understand how to care for native plants, which support local wildlife and enhance the quality of life here in St. Bernard Parish. This is an opportunity our students are truly lucky to have - and we can’t wait to watch these trees grow alongside them.”

Through teamwork, education, and a shared commitment to the environment, Chalmette Elementary’s 5th graders have quite literally planted the seeds for a greener future - one that will continue to grow for years to come.