Courtesy of the Sippican Lands Trust 5^th and 6^th grade Marion students will put some roots down this October.

Marion School Committee members approved a request to accept a donation of Atlantic white cedars from the trust and Copicut Woods in Fall River. Copicut Woods is a 13,600-acre property owned by the Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. Students will plant the donated trees on school property.

Fifth grade teacher Heather Sullivan and 6th grade teacher Erin Furfey explained the donated would be used to highlight lessons on science and history.

During the first week of October, Sullivan said 6^th grade students would travel to the reserve for a field trip. There they will learn about the importance Atlantic white cedars have in the local environment.

“The trees have greatly diminished in number over the years and are important to the ecosystem in Massachusetts,” Sullivan said.

They were also important to early settlers who used the lumber for small boats, shingles and gunpowder during the Revolutionary War. Sullivan added that the tree’s historical importance would be part of the curriculum.

Students will return with several specimens for 5^th grade students to plant.

“Planting and caring for the trees will provide a hands on experience for the students who will be learning about the life cycle,” Furfey said.

School committee members thanked the teachers.

“I love how you’re including two different disciplines in one project,” said member Christine Marcolini. “That’s great.”