Lessons from Generations of Trees

Our Scouts participate in many activities to help protect the environment – like recycling, outdoor cleanup projects, and conserving water.

One recent conservation project that caught my eye has involved generations of Scouts from Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Minnesota, and it came to a close this year.

The Longs Peak Council in Greeley, Colorado committed 25 years ago to the Fort Robinson Tree Replant. This is a 48,000 acre area of grassland and forest on state park land in the Nebraska Panhandle that had been ravaged by wildfires sparked by a lightning strike in 1990.

That quarter-century replant commitment expired this year, with one more trip April 4-6 to Nebraska’s Fort Robinson State Park for Scouts to plant a new area of seedlings.

Scouts participating in the 25th annual Fort Robinson Tree Replant April 4-6, 2014 // Photo courtesy of Fort Robinson State Park Facebook Page

Many of the first trees planted 25 years ago are now 10-to-15 feet tall. This project stands as a real tribute to the long-term commitment of this council to fulfill this promise, and to the generations of Scouts and their hard work to bring new life to this area.

The chairman of this year’s replant, Jim Schmitt, observed: “There are many families here that have three generations of Scouts. Many of the Scouts started the replant as Cubs and have grown up planting the trees here. It’s quite a legacy for them.”

Scouts participating in the 25th annual Fort Robinson Tree Replant April 4-6, 2014 // Photo courtesy of Fort Robinson State Park Facebook Page

 What a terrific lesson in sustainability for these Scouts! Not only will these trees help restore a burned-out area of state park land for others to eventually enjoy, this new forest will be a lasting testimonial to their commitment to being a friend to their environment.

Just think of the widespread benefits of fulfilling long-term pledges to bring new plant life and protect against erosion in our parklands. Our state and national parks have certainly seen their share of wildfire damage recently and many could use additional support.

How would you rally your organizations to be stewards to the environment and help restore damaged parklands? Have you participated in long-term service projects like this one? Share your thoughts and ideas here!

Thanks,

Wayne