The Golden Link

October 2005 Volume 31 Issue 9

Tree-planting Challenge for Girl Scouts

Two girls pushing a wheel barrel with a young tree. Girl Scouts, did you know that the Greater Houston and surrounding area provides you with a multitude of resources to plant trees? So, what are you waiting for? Planting season starts in October. Send us reports and pictures from your tree planting activity for to be featured in an upcoming issue of The Golden Link. Contact Julie Deeter, Program Manager, jdeeter@sjgs.org or mail to 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098.

Resources
NeighborWoods Program

Trees for Houston, 713-840-8733
You will be given free 5-gallon trees. You are responsible for planting and maintaining for 2 years. Program is usually reserved for planting on the area between the street and sidewalk.

Adopt-A-Tree Program

City of Houston Urban Forester, 713-867-3079
You are given free 5 15-gallon trees and mulch. You are responsible for planting according to approved landscape programs and maintaining the tree for 2 years. You sign an adopt-a-tree agreement. Trees must be planted on an esplanade or park owned by the City of Houston.

Adopt-A-Park

Houston Parks and Recreation Department, 713-845-1000
Three methods of partnering: (1) Neighborhood program – Agree to take over selected maintenance responsibilities for 1 year or install and maintain approved beautification projects; (2) Sponsorships – Agree to sponsor park maintenance contracting, supplies or capital improvements; (3) Special projects – Agree to sponsor or participate in special projects or events. Park must be owned by the City of Houston.

Volunteer Opportunities

Harris County Flood Control District, 713-316-4815 Volunteer signup for special projects available

For more opportunities in outlying areas, please contact Julie Deeter at 713-292-0203 or 800-392-4340 ext 1203.

Why plant a tree?

Taken from www.arborday.org

Here are just a few reasons from tree experts…

“The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.”
– U.S. Department of Agriculture

“There are about 60-to 200- million spaces along our city streets where trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33 million more tons of CO2 every year, and saving $4 billion in energy costs.”
– National Wildlife Federation

“In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.”
– Dr. Roger S. Ulrich Texas A&M University

“Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent.”
– Management Information Services/ICMA

“Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent.”
–The National Arbor Day Foundation

GSSJC Adopt a Nursing Home Participating Troop Survey
Has your troop participated in this program?	Yes	No
Did they earn the program patch?	Yes	No
How many years did they participate?	1	2	3	4	5
At what program level did they begin?	Daisy	Brownie	Junior	Cadette	Senior
At what program level did they end?	Daisy	Brownie	Junior	Cadette	Senior
Did your troop collaborate witha a commuity group to serve residents (familie, faithe community groups, other t4roops, Boy Scouts)?	Yes	No	Comments:
Any girls continue the service individually?	Yes	No	Comments:
List the name and address of the Home the troop adopted.
Share a special story tied with the girls and this wonderful program of service.	Thank you for using the additional pages and adding photos!
General Comments:	Please write any on the back or additional pages, Thank you!

Return to: Program Department, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098 by 12/1/05.
Contact Melinda Gaskill, (713) 292-0232, (800) 392-4340 or mgaskill@sjgs.org.