First Graders Go Green with Annual Tree Planting Program

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa — First-grade students across Winneshiek County took part in an annual tree-planting program this spring through a partnership between the Fort Atkinson Nursery and the Winneshiek County Extension & Outreach office. Scott Sindelar of Fort Atkinson Nursery has sponsored the program since 1978, providing trees to first-grade students throughout the county. Students from John Cline Elementary School, St. Benedict Catholic School, South Winneshiek Elementary School, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School and Turkey Valley School each planted a Black Hills spruce tree to take home. During the program, students learned how to care for their trees and discovered that, although Black Hills spruce trees grow slowly, the trees may reach the height of a school bus by the time the students are seniors in high school. Sindelar keeps a collection of photographs in his office featuring graduating seniors in caps and gowns posing next to the trees they planted as first-graders. Members of the Class of 2026 are encouraged to continue the tradition by emailing photos to ftnursery@acegroup.cc. Those assisting with the program included Iowa State University Extension & Outreach staff members Allie McIntyre and Ashley Horgen, along with Master Gardener volunteers Vicky Hinsenbrock and Drew Pellett. Stay connected and informed! Join the free newsletter for curated news, trending topics, and insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else.