The students at Open Door School took in some sunshine Friday afternoon when they got outside to plant flowers as part of the school’s Earth Day project sponsored by the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District.

“This is part of their Earth Day project, but we have to wait until the weather warms up,” Cassie Patten, intervention specialist at Open Door, said.

“The kids look forward to this and they really enjoy it.”

The first part of the students’ Earth Day project is collecting recyclables.

“Every year the students have a recycling contest and the LSSWMD sponsors a pizza party for their great efforts,” Stephanie Helms, LSSWMD community outreach coordinator, said. “We always wait until the second week of May to follow that up with the planting.”

Patten said the students collected nearly 500 pounds of recyclables for the recycling contest. For the planting portion, the students planted some of the flowers in pots they decorated and some were planted outside.

“Lowe’s of South Point generously donates all of the flowers and materials for these events,” Helms said. “The LSSWMD appreciates Lowe’s manager Justin Wurtszler and all of his support to make these events possible.”

Helms said in the past five years, Lowe’s has donated a tree, park bench, flowerpots, potting soil and flowers.

“It’s an educational experience from the recycling contest to the hands-on planting events,” Helms said. “The kids love it and it’s a good opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air.”