The idea of having her seventh graders research trees germinated from Mrs. Sutherlin’s husband’s aunt, Nola Lambing, who received a booklet on trees from her Gulfport Garden Club. Mrs. Lambing’s neighbor, Larry Tucei, donated two trees to the class. 

The class researched trees in the media center and then were treated to an interesting presentation by Dr. Chris Boyd with the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center. 

Dr. Boyd brought a cross section of a large pine tree and asked students to determine its age by counting the rings. He showed how even insect infestation, fire or drought can be determined when examining the life of the tree by counting the rings.   

He also discussed the importance of trees and especially reforestation in Mississippi and the U.S. and ended with a description of where and how to plant trees.