Saturday, April 5, 2008
Campbell County Environmental Education Center, AJ Jolly Park
9:30 am -12:30 pm
The event drew close to three hundred volunteers of all ages, from the Northern Kentucky community. Northern Kentucky University provided much of the leadership that was necessary for the successful organization of so many volunteers. I was one of the thirty team leaders who, with the assistance of my little girl, managed a crew of ten. Our crew was responsible for planting 76 trees in six rows 6'X8' apart.
Mark Leopold from CAE giving team leader orientation. My Miss Morgan getting warmed up. Grab a bucket and start digging!
Our crew hard at work.
Mission accomplished!
Obviously, there are numerous benefits to planting thousands of native trees in an area that has been occupied and disturbed by humans. This parcel of land has been given an edge in sustaining a native habitat over the invasive exotic species that wreak havoc on a biological community. This area is now capable of returning to some semblance of its natural state. However, the most important outcome of such an event is an entire community has shared in a life long memory. Children and adults learned that taking action is rewarding and fun, but as always much easier when it's done TOGETHER.
Direct quote from Miss Morgan: "This is the best day ever!"
