First Lady Crissy Haslam Introduces New Tree Education Program at The Tennessee Residence

Students visit the Tennessee Residence on Earth Day to launch the “Tennessee Residence Tree-Mendous Trail”

NASHVILLE – First Lady Crissy Haslam today hosted approximately 25 3rd grade students from Algood Elementary School at the Tennessee Residence to launch a new tree education program on Earth Day. Created in partnership with Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, the Tennessee Residence Tree-Mendous Trail invites students to learn about and identify different trees located on the property.

“Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the natural beauty found across Tennessee,” Mrs. Haslam said. “Students can participate in the Tennessee Residence Tree-Mendous Trail to learn about how trees contribute to our environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.”More than 50 different species of trees have been identified on the property, which can qualify the Residence as a Level 1 Arboretum according to standards enforced by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. Today, Algood Elementary School students participated in the tree education program with Tim Phelps, an Education Forester with TDA Division of Forestry, to learn about many of the trees on the property. The First Lady also provided a tour of the home and read to students from her April Read20 book of the month, Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, to encourage daily reading.

“The Tennessee Residence is an asset for our state, and educational programs create great opportunities to share Tennessee’s home with students,” Mrs. Haslam said. “Bill and I hope to provide a variety of learning opportunities for children to enjoy during their visit.”

First Lady Haslam introduced field trips at the Tennessee Residence in March, and the Tree-Mendous Trail will be incorporated into the program as an additional learning opportunity for students. Field trip reservations can be made free of charge through the First Lady’s website, http://www.tn.gov/firstlady/residence/tour-student.shtml.

For more information about the Tennessee Residence field trip program or the Read20 Family Book Club visit www.tn.gov/firstlady.