The Heritage Trail Gets “Spruced” Up

On Thursday, May 7th, Heritage Middle School received 50 White Spruce trees from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The next day, students on team 8B were planting them into the ground along the Heritage trail.  

The Heritage Trail is a 1.5 mile scenic loop located in the woods behind Heritage Middle School that was donated and cut by local landscaper and NECSD alumnus Lynn Warren and his crew in the fall of 2019. It serves as a great resource for the Physical Education and Science classes at Heritage as well as houses the Newburgh Cross Country Team.  

“It’s something we’re constantly looking to upgrade,” said Social Studies teacher and NFA Cross Country coach Mr. Chris Marino. “Devitt’s Nursery made a generous donation to us in the fall of all sorts or locally found perennials which all have popped up this spring.  Now the trees we planted will line much of the trail.  It’s looking great.”   

“It was a great experience working together and helping the environment.  We all pitched in and had such a great time,” said eighth grader Shabnam Ashraf. 

Eighth grader Sidney Hope said, “Planting the trees for the Heritage trail was the most exciting thing we did all year. We planted more than 30 trees. Planting the trees helps the environment and will make the Heritage trial look awesome.” 

“Planting the trees with my fellow classmates was a very exciting experience! I love the fact that I am giving back to nature and can't wait to grow alongside them," stated 8B scholar Alexia Christoforidis.  

Science teacher Ashley Wellington stated “While we were planting the trees, students were talking about coming back to take a picture with the tree they planted when they graduate from high school.  It is heartwarming to see how excited students are about making a difference in their school and community and I am honored to have been a part of it!”  

The grant was secured by Mr. Matt DeGraw and Mr. Chris Marino for the spruce trees.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!