About 80 volunteers recently joined with the Georgia Forestry Commission to help add some shade in Long County.  
The group — consisting of students, parents, soldiers and teachers — came together at Long County Middle and Walker Elementary schools to plant 21 trees provided by the GFC through its Making the Shade program. The trees were planted in several places at the schools, including the playground and the outdoor lunch areas.
“These common areas have little or no shade, and with temperatures in the summer, they can be uncomfortable,” said teacher Helen Young, who headed up the project.
The holes for the trees were dug and prepared Feb. 7. The trees were planted Feb. 8 by 50 volunteers, who came out despite cold and wet conditions. The Junior BETA Club and Christians on Campus club helped from the elementary school, and members of the middle school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter and BETA Club also participated.
Dental-facility members from DENTAC on Fort Stewart also volunteered for the project.
 “It is wonderful to see all of these volunteers here taking an interest in improving our school and making a better outdoor experiences for all of our students,” Young said.
She said the project also was incorporated into the children’s life-science lessons for grades four through seven.
According to Young, the project was made possible due to a Making the Shade grant provided by the GFC.
Grants can be applied for by emailing Mark McClellan at mmcclellan@gfc.ga.us.