- Author: Steven Worker
Trees, Please!
Volunteers across the country aim to plant millions of trees
Trees are popping up in cities across the United States. Volunteers are digging in! Small flags placed in the ground tell them where to dig. Once the hole is deep enough, they place a small tree inside it. Finally, the volunteers scoop soil back into the hole. They push the dirt around the tree's roots and trunk.
"It's fun, and it helps nature," says Jazzy Hanlin, 8. She lives in Foster City, California. Jazzy is taking part in the 4-H Million Trees Project.
4-H and other groups are hoping to make the world a little greener. They are planting trees in parks and front yards, and along city sidewalks.
Why Plant Trees?
Trees make oxygen. All living things breathe oxygen. Trees help clean the air and water. They give shade and can help cool buildings. They lessen flooding. They also provide homes to animals.
Trees are good for other reasons too. They are lovely! "People are more likely to get outside and walk and run in places that have trees," says Scott Steen. He works for American Forests. His group helps protect the country's trees. "Trees not only make cities more beautiful," he says, "but they also provide amazing benefits to people who live there."
Take Action
Do you want to plant and care for trees? Here are some tips to get you started.
- Learn what types of trees you have in your community.
- Talk about the benefits of trees with your friends and family.
- Volunteer! With an adult, find out about tree-planting programs in your area.
- Dig in!