Tiny tree planters were working hard, getting dirty and learning a lot in Lake Country's Jack Seaton Park on Oct. 17. 

Multiple classes of students from Davidson Road Elementary spent the day in the park learning about forestry, wildfires and ecology. A part of their day was spent learning from Grade 11 and 12 students enrolled in the Rutland Secondary School (RSS) Forestry Academy. 

The is led by teacher Marshall Corbett, a former shop teacher with a background in environmental sciences and extensive experience in the outdoors. 

The unique dual-credit program aims to teach students about forestry-related careers with a focus on developing practical knowledge in the outdoors through hands-on learning. With the credits earned in the class, students can transition directly into a career in forestry, like wildland firefighting.

"For me, the tree planting part is important but the really big benefit here is having these students learn from each other," said Corbett.

"The older students are learning how to teach and how to share what they've learned and the younger students being able to connect with someone who is a little bit younger instead of just having an adult or a teacher telling them what to do." 

With the help of the forestry students, the pint-sized planters learned about the role wildfire plays in ecology and how tree planting can help a burned area recover. 

"They're showing them what they've learned over the course of the program and as I've walked around I've noticed they're starting to talk about various plant species and other pieces of ecology," said Corbett.