Cole Elementary School has earned Tree Campus recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for the fourth consecutive year, recognizing the school’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and hands-on learning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. The Tree Campus program recognizes schools, universities and healthcare facilities that use trees to improve their communities through education, engagement and environmental stewardship.

At Cole Elementary, students connect with nature through a variety of outdoor learning experiences and partnerships that promote environmental awareness.

“This recognition reinforces our hands-on learning approach at Cole,” Principal Mike Pinto says. “This award also highlights partnerships with Tippecanoe Soil and Water, Tree Lafayette and Keep Stockwell Beautiful.”

To earn Tree Campus recognition, schools must meet four core standards: maintain a tree campus team, create an education plan connecting students to trees and their benefits, provide hands-on experiences that engage students in trees and the community, and hold an Arbor Day celebration.

Cole Elementary’s qualification is supported through its Outdoor Education Center curriculum and the annual NatureQuest event hosted by Tippecanoe Soil and Water, which invites elementary students to participate in nature-based learning activities.

“The designation is important to our school and community because it shows a commitment to nature and planting trees,” Pinto says. “Our parents are grateful for the efforts by our staff to make learning happen in a variety of hands-on, dirty-hands ways.”