Nature never hurries. Atom by atom, little by little, she achieves her work.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

During the recent “Nature for Children Week,” which kicked off the Nature for Children Every Day Initiative, hundreds of programs throughout the United States and Canada found unique ways to celebrate joyful connections with the natural world. Here’s one heartwarming story from a Dimensions Foundation Board Member:

The Henry Frost Children’s Program and the Copper Beech Tree
By Iris Chin Ponte Ph.D.

The Copper Beech tree has been at the center of our school logo since its inception 15 years ago. This symbol was chosen because of the large Copper Beech tree planted next to our original location by farmer Henry Frost himself in the late 1800s. When looking into the historical archives at the Belmont Public Library, we learned that Henry Frost loved the ornamental Copper Beech because of its massive presence and even wrote in his farm journal, “Let this tree be a reminder of the hard work and commitment of family.” To this day both of our school locations enjoy the presence of a Copper Beech. Sadly, the 165-year-old Copper Beech in the town center, close to our second location, is very sick and will be removed in late June.

Knowing how important these trees are to our school community, it was important that we partner with the town, Belmont Tree Warden William, and local arborists to educate our students about Copper Beech tree life cycles. Both opportunities have helped our students understand and celebrate these amazing trees. We even had the opportunity to propagate the seeds and preserve some of the seedlings for future planting!

On Sunday, May 3rd on the Town Green, the Town of Belmont held a Tree Ceremony for the Town Center Copper Beech tree. Our entire school community participated. At this event we unveiled an original piece of art contributed to our school by children’s book author/illustrator Cathryn Falwell to commemorate the tree and the children that have enjoyed it. We also offered a variety of experiences for local families. People were invited to plant seeds, explore a piece of the tree with scientific tools, and experience a family reading blanket with books about trees. To close the ceremony our community joined in song, as we gave the tree a community hug and offered notes of love tied to its branches. Families also made contributions to Nature Explore to bring more experiences to children.

Having children witness their community gather to celebrate nature in this way is extremely powerful. Our students at a young age have internalized that nature is to be respected, honored, and remembered. We are so thankful to live in a town that carries forth this mission.