Communications Office

Girl Scouts Help Plant Tree

A group from Girls Scouts Troop 50464 assisted in planting a tree at Skyview Park last week.  These Girl Scouts are working toward their BREATHE badge, which requires a connection with trees, their production of oxygen, and ability to sequester pollutants from the air we breathe. 

Lindsey Kudera, City Arborist, shared the countless benefits of trees; not only for humans and animals but also to other trees, plants, and soil microorganisms. The Girl Scouts learned about the vital role trees play in the production of oxygen via photosynthesis and the impact trees have on the environment around them. The impacts include air, water, and noise pollution reduction. The symbiotic relationship trees have with mychorrhizal fungi, why and how that dynamic bio-process works, is crucial to the health and survival of trees. 

“Per the American Heart & Lung association they learned that the average healthy adult takes about 14 breaths per minute, 840 breaths per hour, approximately 20,000 breaths a day while research data from the USDA suggests that one large deciduous tree, 40’ or taller, can produce enough oxygen to supply the daily oxygen needs of four people,” said Kudera. “This is why they chose to donate and plant one of our hardiest natives, the Kentucky Coffeetree, which can attain heights of 50+ feet.”