Urban tree identification volunteer day at Paul Middle School
Victoria Cericola is the
Development Intern for the American Forest Foundation.
The morning of September 15th was filled with tree measurements and identifications, gardening, and painting water proofing paint on the beautiful mural that was created by Michelle Goosby and Paul Middle School Students.
Project Learning Tree and HSBC employees gathered with Paul Middle School students in Washington, D.C. for a day of learning and volunteering. Also present were volunteers representing Casey Trees, D.C. Urban Forestry, and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Each station had several students both learning and helping and we had a successful and exciting morning. I helped to measure and identify trees.
With the knowledge and help of Casey Trees, D.C. Urban Forestry, and the USFS, we were able to measure the diameter and identify the trees on the front lawn of Paul Middle School.
We began by asking students why trees are important, and judging by the responses we received, we know that they definitely pay attention in science class!
Casey Trees provided us with a map of trees on the property of Paul Middle School; we used this map to identify the trees and their diameter. Students were eager to measure the trees and record the diameters on their maps.
The adult volunteers showed students how to measure trees and read the diameter tape. To measure a tree, one can use a diameter tape and at chest height to measure the circumference of the tree.
Some trees that we identified were Southern Magnolia, Eastern Hemlock, American Elm, and Crepe Myrtle. During identification, some key characteristics we looked for were the shape of the leaves, stems of the trees, and flowers. One common characteristic we noticed among many of the trees were the discoloration of some leaves due to the stress from this summer’s drought and sweltering heat.
It was a well-spent morning working alongside Paul Middle School students. Youth learning about and interacting with nature is an imperative part of their education, and it was great being a part of it!
Visit www.greenschools.org to learn more about Project Learning Tree's GreenSchools! initiative.
Connect with us on Twitter!
Follow the American Forest Foundation at www.twitter.com/amforestfndn
Casey Trees: www.twitter.com/caseytrees
U.S. Forest Service: www.twitter.com/forestservice
The D.C. Urban Forestry Administration: www.twitter.com/ddotdc
Photo credit: Project Learning Tree's Al Stenstrup
