Conservation Good Turn

 

 

 

Why are these Scouts and Scouters happy?

The Cub Scouts of Pack 109,  Pack 230, Pack 601 and the Boy Scouts of Troop 300 earned the Conservation Good Turn Award on December 8, 2007 by planting over 250 tree seedlings at Schiff Scout Reservation.  A big bully to all the 42 youth participating in this project and to the support of the adult leadership -

Jim Ferris (project leader), Nicole Kircher (P.109), Debbie Chapman (P.230), Bill Pavlock, (P.601) & Tim Turner (T. 300)

Go to the Council Photo Album for more photos

Go to the Conservation Good Turn Photo Essay for the complete view

Current Conservation Projects at Schiff Scout Reservation

The Conservation Good Turn is an opportunity for Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Explorer posts to join with conservation or environmental organization (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a Conservation Good Turn in their home communities.  When they complete their project, download this form and submit it.

Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts

Cub Scouting conservation projects should involve the entire Cub Scout pack, each den, adult leaders, and family members. Hands-on projects help Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts realize that everyone can do things to care for the environment.

Consider several factors when choosing a Good Turn.

  • What needs doing? Seek help from the camp ranger or ask the campmaster.

  • Will the project be meaningful to the boys? Will they see the project as more than just busywork?

  • Consider the number and ages of boys available to do the project. Can you complete the project within, say, a couple of hours? Can most of the work be done by boys? If adults do most of the work, the boys will learn little. Remember that projects need to be suitable for boys ages 6 to 10.

TREE PLANTING AT CAMPSITES

Planting Instructions - TOOLS REQUIRED: Shovel and bucket

  1. Place the seedlings in a bucket and fill with water until all the roots are covered.

  2. Remove all vegetation down to the soil layer for at least one foot around the planting site.

  3. Dig a hole large enough to contain the roots.

  4. Place the roots of the seedling in the hole and carefully spread them out. The root collar (where roots join the stem) should be at or just below the ground's surface. The seedling should stand straight.

  5. Fill the hole with soil and gently compact the soil to remove air pockets that could dry out the roots.

  6. Water the seedling slowly and thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. If rainfall is not adequate, water weekly after planting for the first year.

  7. Mark the seedlings with a stake so they won't be cut off with a lawn mower.

  8. Fertilizer is not recommended at planting time. It can be applied two or three years after planting when the root system has developed.

EROSION CONTROL AT DESIGNATED SITES

Contact the camp ranger for information about camp needs and plans. Establish a nature trail, plant vegetation, or carry out other needed projects as requested by the camp ranger.