Waukegan High School’s Environmental Club is hosting a community-wide tree-planting initiative to help offset the environmental impact of the school's energy consumption.
The club has launched “Waukegan Zero”, which aims to plant 250 saplings around Waukegan, which would help counterbalance the amount of carbon produced from the school’s electricity and gas use. 150 saplings have already been secured through local sponsorships and donations as a way to ease the financial burden on the community. As part of this initiative, the club is seeking community support in its goal, and is currently selling saplings.
Through March 15, individuals interested in supporting the Waukegan Zero initiative can order a sapling online for $5. Purchasers can select between a Red Maple, American Sycamore, and White Oak sapling. Each purchased sapling will be distributed during a special community-wide pick-up event on April 15 at Waukegan High School.
Waukegan Zero was created by club members as a response to the disproportionate amount of pollution existing in under-privileged communities.
“We are hoping to to bring more environmental equity through urban forest restoration with Waukegan Zero,” said WHS Environmental Club sponsor, Kate Krischke, “If we meet our goal this project has the potential to improve Waukegans's air and water quality, reduce soil erosion and storm runoff, increase habitats and property value, decrease the impact of urban heat island and reduce particulate matter, ozone impact, and nitrogen dioxide.”
During the April 15 pick-up event, participants will also receive instructions on how to properly plant and tend to their saplings throughout the first year of growth. Anyone with questions can visit the initiatives event page.