Third-graders spend time with volunteers learning how to identify different trees.

Syracuse Parks Department and the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club had help celebrating Arbor Day Friday.

Syracuse Elementary School third-graders gathered in Henry Ward Park on the warm, sunny afternoon to help plant the new shingle oak tree, paid for with a grant from the Garden Club of Indiana.

Connie Anthony of the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club spoke to students about the meaning and history of Arbor Day, and read a short poem.

Garrett Baldridge, Syracuse Parks Department, explained to students how to prep a tree for planting, and how trees can come in various shapes and sizes. As students gathered around, Baldridge let the students form two lines so they could take turns shoveling dirt into the hole surrounding the newly planted tree.

Other students walked through the park with volunteers who taught the students how to recognize different types of trees. The third-graders studied bark types, leaves and coloring to match each tree to its coordinating description.

Each student made a worm farm using shredded paper, dirt and other materials inside of a plastic container.

For more information on the Syracuse Parks and programs, visit syracusein.org.