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Adopt a Tree

If you’ve ever taken part in a Scoutrees event, you know how good it feels to plant a tree. But, just like people, young trees need special attention to grow up healthy and strong. Find and adopt a young tree near you! Take care of your tree throughout the year – it doesn’t take much work, but the little you do can go a long way!

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Plan

  • Where will you adopt your tree?
  • What kind of tree will you adopt? What difference does this make?
  • Will you adopt a tree on your own, or with a fellow Scout?
  • What gear do you need for this adventure?
  • For how long will you look after your tree? A year? Two? Even longer?

Do

  • Find and adopt a young tree near you! It may be on your property or in a nearby park. It may even be a tree you planted yourself.
  • When you’ve chosen your young tree, check on it weekly. Make sure it gets plenty of water if you’re going through a dry summer, and protect your tree from animals like caterpillars and beavers. Provide your tree with mulch to help keep it from drying out.
  • If needed, prepare your tree for winter by learning about any steps you can take to keep it safe during winter months. 
  • If you notice anything wrong with your tree, like the presence of an invasive species or disease, make sure to report it using the Invasive Species Centre's Community Tree Check Form!

Review

  • What do you know now that you did not know before?
  • What was your favourite part of this adventure?
  • How did you help your tree to grow?
  • If your tree didn’t need much help, why do you think this was?
  • Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map

Keep it Simple

  • Rather than adopting a tree by yourself, adopt it as a Lodge, Lair or Patrol. Have a Scouter support each group and tree.

Take it Further

  • Adopt a forest! Work with your local forest group or conservation authority to adopt a forest. Keep the forest healthy and happy!