First-grader Skyler Metnick raced to the freshly planted trees at Southside Elementary’s Arbor Day celebration Friday, May 24, and dug both hands deep into the earth to pick up as much dirt as she could.

First-grader Skyler Metnick raced to the freshly planted trees at Southside Elementary’s Arbor Day celebration Friday, May 24, and dug both hands deep into the earth to pick up as much dirt as she could. Not afraid of any dirt under her fingernails, she then flung it onto the roots of the tree closest to her to ensure it will receive the proper nutri

Matteo Catena

Mike Keegan, forest-area specialist with Sarasota and Manatee counties, asks students questions about Arbor Day.

Victoria Meyer

Isabella Liakakos, Elizabeth Brown and Matthew McCool use shovels to cover the tree roots with dirt.