Native, Introduced, Or Invasive

Before the meeting:

1. Remind Cub Scouts to bring the leaf or needles they collected in requirement 1 and their tree inventory.
2. Gather supplies.
3. Set up meeting space with a flat space for setting up leaves and needles.

During the meeting:

1. Discuss the meaning of the terms native or introduced.
   • Native trees occur naturally. Native trees are perfect for providing food and shelter for wildlife, manufacturing oxygen for both animals and humans.
   • Introduced trees are species that are not native to the specific locations where they are found. These non-native plants have usually become established at new locations due to deliberate or accidental human activities.
   • Sometimes trees are considered invasive. Invasive species adversely affect habitats and bioregions, causing ecological, environmental, and/or economic damage.
2. Ask Cub Scouts to think about native and introduced trees:
   • What are some examples of native trees in your area? What are the benefits these trees provide to your community?
   • What are some examples of introduced trees in your area? Why were these trees introduced? For decorative landscaping? For lumber harvest? For agriculture?
   • What are some examples of invasive trees in your area? How or why were these trees introduced? What impact are they having on the native trees? What impact are they having on wildlife?
3. Have Cub Scouts determine if the tree they selected is native or introduced. If introduced, is the tree invasive?