GSWP TREE PATCH FOR JUNIORS

 

Introduction

Trees are a necessary part of our environment.  They provide shade, paper and the oxygen we breathe.  There are many things that you can do to save the trees in your neighborhood.

 

Complete 5 activities including the “Tree Inventory” activity.

 

Tree Identification

Learn how to identify trees using a dichotomous key found in Tree Field Guides.( A key used in science to identify species.  The species is identified by answering a series of questions that in turn lead to other questions and eventually the final result.)  Ask a forester to help you use it. Then identify at least 15 trees in your neighborhood using the key.

 

OR

 

Tree Pruning

Talk to a landscaper, gardener, or horticulturist about pruning trees.  Find out how  to correctly prune a tree so that the tree remains healthy.  Then, select a tree in your backyard to prune.  Be sure to ask permission first.  Then, using the skills you have learned, prune the tree.

 

Leaf Identification

Choose any leaf and look at it carefully.  Make a diagram of the leaf and its parts by using a book and your own knowledge to help you.  Show your work to the other girls in your troop.  Ask them to point out things that you may have forgotten.  Teach them things they didn’t know about leaves.

 

Leaf Collection

Trees have many different types of leaves and can be identified by them.  Leaves are the manufacturing plants of the tree and take carbon dioxide , light and water to make food for the tree.  You can make a leaf collection with this activity.

            You will need:           

            Several pieces of construction paper in a color that will best show off your leaves.

            Something to put you leaves in ( a  basket)

            A thin marker

            Tape

            A hole puncher

            Colored string

            A leaf book (optional)

  1. Go for a walk around your yard or neighborhood and collect leaves from as many different types of trees as you can.  Try to have at least 10.
  2. Tape them onto the pieces of paper. There should be 2-3 to a page
  3. Label them neatly by using your own knowledge or a leaf book.
  4. Keeping the pages together, punch three holes into the paper.
  5. Pass the string through the holes and tie a bow or knot.

 

Now your collection is complete.  Share your collection with the other girls in your troop.  Maybe you can combine your collections to make one big troop booklet of leaves!!

 

Leaf Prints

Leaf Prints are a fun way to decorate bags, clothing, or anything else that is plain.

You will need: 1. A bag or clean shirt or a piece of paper to put the leaf prints on. 2. A rolling pin or artist’s roller. 3. assorted acrylic paints.  4. newspaper. 5. a smock. 6. pie plates for paint.

 

  1. Lay the newspapers on  flat surface and lay the item to be decorated on top.
  2. Place a small amount of paint into a pie plate.  Use a different color for each plate.
  3. Take one leaf and gently press it into the paint.
  4. Place it on the shirt etc. and gently roll over it with the rolling pin or artist’s roller.
  5. Carefully lift the leaf and throw it away.  DO NOT reuse unless you want to mix colors!!!
  6. Continue making prints until the whole item is covered.  Wear your shirt or carry your decorated bag with pride.

 

Your Tree

Find a tree in your yard or neighborhood that you really like.  Choose one of its leaves and draw it or write about it.  Then  a) observe the tree for at least two seasons.  What happens to the tree as the seasons change?  During what season do you like your tree the best?  Are there any weeds or moss around your tree? OR b) Observe the animals that live in your tree.  Do they have nests or holes in the tree? Do any animals hibernate in your tree?

 

Interview

Interview a forester, horticulturist or arborist.  Find out what their hob entails and what they know about trees. Be sure to ask them about proper tree care and about the different kinds of trees in your area.  What is the most common tree and why?  Is this beneficial or detrimental to your community?  Present your findings to the other girls in your troop.

 

Tree Inventory (required)

Complete an inventory of the trees in your yard, school or neighborhood.  Is there an excess of one type of tree?  Did you find any strange or unusual trees?  Compose a small map of your neighborhood and label the trees on the map.  Get your whole troop to complete a small area and then combine the maps into one big one!!

 

Thank you for completing the patch!  I hope you learned a lot and had some fun too!