De Queen Elementary School has been selected by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to participate in the 2025 Shade Trees on Playgrounds (STOP) program. The program, established in 2002 through the Forestry Division’s Urban & Community Forestry Program, provides native shade trees and educational resources to schools across Arkansas.
De Queen Elementary will plant five native trees during a ceremony on the school playground on Monday, November 10th.
The STOP program gives students hands-on experience planting and caring for trees while learning about the important role trees play in their communities. At De Queen Elementary, the project has also inspired cross-curricular learning in various subjects, including literacy, math, science, and art.
Every student at De Queen Elementary will participate in planting a tree, emphasizing teamwork, stewardship, and pride in their school environment.
“The Shade Trees on Playgrounds program has provided a meaningful experience for our students,” said Terri Phillips, De Queen Elementary Principal. “It’s exciting to see a project that encourages learning and also creates a lasting impact on our playground.”
Since its creation, the STOP program has provided trees to more than 150 schools across Arkansas, helping create healthier, greener, and more engaging outdoor spaces for students.