Earning Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badges

Outpost

12. Speak for the Trees

Beginner Level

• Acquire a tree identification guide that includes trees local to your area. Remember that your local library is a valuable resource, as is the Bureau of Land Management (visit BLM.gov for contact information for your area).
• Take a walk out your front door and identify at least three trees growing in your yard and along your street. Are the trees you identified native to your area?

Intermediate Level

• Research how a good windbreak is planted and how it is useful to the surrounding area.
• Go to a local park and identify at least three of the trees growing there. Are they native to your area or are they transplants?

Expert Level

• Take your identification guide out to the woods. Identify as many different trees as you can.
• Pay attention to how each tree grows in relation to the surrounding vegetation. How does each tree compete with other vegetation in order to grow?
• Bring along a garbage sack and pick up any litter that you find.

January, 2015 Edition