Evansville, IN – Girls Scouts from Troops #80, #65, and #458 will be helping plant seven native bald cypress trees at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden this Saturday, November 24 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The trees are part of an initiative to plant 2012 trees in celebration of Evansville’s bicentennial. The Girl Scouts will be decorating the seven bald cypress trees as well as many of the other trees at the Zoo with birdseed ornaments, many of which they made themselves. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden staff will be providing instruction on proper tree planting for the Scouts in hopes that they will plant trees at home and around their communities.
A portion of the trees were donated by Combs Landscaping and others were purchased through a Vanderburgh Soil and Water Conservation District Grant. The Evansville Audubon Society, Wild Birds Unlimited, and Pedia Research donated supplies for the Scouts to make the ornaments. Botanical Curator Paul Bouseman stated, “Native trees provide crucial habitat for resident and migratory song bird by providing shelter and food. The work these Scouts are doing will have positive impact for many years to come.†The 2012 Trees in 2012 campaign continues through the end of the year. There is a 2012 Trees in 2012 Facebook page where participants can upload pictures of their trees. The public is invited to watch the November 24 tree planting at the Zoo.
