Trees and plants play important roles in nature. In this Adventure, you will get to learn about the plants and trees in your community by exploring your area on a walk or visit to a local nature center, tree farm, or park.
If you have ever stood beneath a towering redwood, enjoyed the colors of fall leaves, or watched pine trees swaying in the wind, you know that trees and plants are beautiful. But they are also important to life on Earth. As you go into the woods, you will learn what trees and plants do for us and for animals, and why taking care of them is important to our planet’s well-being.
Safety MomentPrior to any activity, use Scouting America’s SAFE Checklist to ensure the safety of all those involved.
All participants in official Scouting America activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and applicable program literature or manuals.
Be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Scouting America practices, policies, and guidelines.
To assist in the safe delivery of the program you may find specific safety items that are related to requirements for the Adventure.
Before starting this Adventure, review Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.
Visit an area with trees and plants and conduct a tree inventory. Select one tree and complete the remaining requirements based on that tree.
Determine if your tree is deciduous or evergreen.
Determine if your tree is native or was introduced to your area.
Find out how your tree deals with wildfire.
Learn how wildlife uses your tree.
Visit an area with trees and plants and conduct a tree inventory. Select one tree and complete the remaining requirements based on that tree.
Cub Scouts visit a park to conduct a tree inventory and select a tree to study.
Determine if your tree is deciduous or evergreen.
Choose one of the following:
Cub Scouts make a rubbing of the leaf or needles from their chosen tree.
Cub Scouts photograph their leaf and enlarge the image to determine if it is deciduous or coniferous.
Cub Scouts use a pocket microscope to examine their leaf.
Determine if your tree is native or was introduced to your area.
Cub Scouts determine whether their tree is native, introduced, or invasive.
Find out how your tree deals with wildfire.
Cub Scouts will observe how different types of wood burn.
Cub Scouts talk with a Fire Management Officer to learn about wildfires and prescribed burns.
Learn how wildlife uses your tree.
Cub Scouts investigate the relationships between trees and wildlife.
