Tree Inventory

Before the meeting:

1. Identify a park with plants and trees in which the Cub Scouts can conduct a tree inventory.
2. Contact parents or legal guardians to give them the details of the visit.
3. Gather copies of the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record on each participant (youth and adult)
4. Review Annual Health and Medical Records for any restrictions that may impact participation
5. A week prior and the day before, remind Cub Scouts, parents, and legal guardians of the date, time, and designated meeting location, especially if it is different than your normal den meeting.
6. Print the Tree Inventory, one per Cub Scout.

During the meeting:

1. Bring copies of the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record on each participant (youth and adult)
2. Gather Cub Scouts at the designated meeting location.
3. Hand out the Tree Inventory, a pencil, and a clipboard to each Cub Scout.
4. Define the area in which the Cub Scouts will conduct their tree inventory.
5. Have Cub Scouts complete their Tree Inventory by observing the trees in the defined inventory area.
6. Ask Cub Scouts to select one tree they would like to learn more about. Give them time to make observations in that section of the Tree Inventory.
   • Observe the higher branches of the tree for broken limbs, nests, and holes.
   • Observe the lower branches of the tree for nibbled-on bark, twigs, and leaves.
   • Observe the leaves. What is their shape? Are they large? Small? Needles?
   • Observe if the tree has any seeds, fruit, or flowers. What colors? What do they smell like?
   • Observe the texture of the bark. Is it smooth? Rough? Light? Dark?
   • Observe the bark for scratches or marks from antlers or claws.
   • Observe the bark for holes created by woodpeckers or insects.
   • Observe the surrounding ground for fruit, nuts, seeds, leaves, needles, twigs, or bark that may have fallen.
   • Observe the surrounding ground for animal scat or tracks.
   • Observe any sounds of wildlife around the tree. Squirrels scurrying? Birdsong? Woodpeckers drumming? Buzzing insects?
7. Have Cub Scouts collect either a leaf or a cluster of needles, preferably ones that are already on the ground. Place in plastic baggie. These will be used in requirement 2.

Tip: Help Cub Scouts take a photo of their tree to aid with identification and observations if the remaining requirements for the adventure will be completed at another time or location.