Kankakee Valley REMC Honors Arbor Day by Donating 800 Trees

Kankakee Valley REMC Honors Arbor Day by Donating 800 Trees

Above: Jeff Newburn, line superintendent for Kankakee Valley REMC, shows students a picture of an electrical box to help illustrate that electrical lines can be in the air or buried in the ground.

More than 800 local fourth-graders will have the opportunity to plant a tree this Arbor Day. Since 2010, Kankakee Valley REMC has donated trees to fourth-grade students at local schools. “Since the start of the program, we have put over 7,000 trees in the hands of area students. More importantly, is the message of safety that we leave them with,” stated Amanda Steeb, director of marketing and communications for the cooperative.

This program goes far beyond receiving a tree. Students are treated to a presentation to increase awareness of safety around power lines, proper planting techniques and the importation function that trees have to our environment.

KV-REMC-Arbor-Day-02Above: Jeff Newburn, line superintendent for Kankakee Valley REMC, shows students a picture of an electrical box to help illustrate that electrical lines can be in the air or buried in the ground.

Darrell Marks, energy advisor for Kankakee Valley REMC and Jeff Newburn, line superintendent, presented in eight classrooms in Porter, LaPorte and Starke County. During the safety presentation, he reminds students of the need to call 811 before digging a hole for their tree. “Not only is it important to know what is below the soil, but keep in mind the tree’s mature height and maintaining a safe distance from overhead power lines too,” stated Marks.

Commitment to Community is a cooperative principle that Kankakee Valley REMC puts into practice many times throughout the year. The Arbor Day program is just one community outreach programs sponsored by the cooperative, allowing schools to participate for free.

“Celebrating the important role that trees play in the environment is just one reason behind Kankakee Valley REMC’s Arbor Day program. It is our hope after each presentation that the seedling and safety information will be not only a lesson to the student but also a reminder to their parents.”