Fourteen Girl Scouts from Benicia Troop 31808 planted 13 trees at Francesca Terrace Park on November 2nd as part the Tree Promise Project by Girl Scouts of America. This national program began in 2021 with the goal to plant, protect and honor 5 million trees in five years.
Troop leader Klaire Mangless reached out to the Benicia Tree Foundation last April for help with a Tree Promise Project for Benicia. Steven Goetz, a Foundation board member, contacted the city about a potential tree planting project at Francesca Terrace Park beneath the powerlines, and then sought support from Pacific Gas & Electric’s Right Tree Right Place Program.
A partnership gradually formed with Troop 31808 providing the girl-power, Benicia Tree Foundation coordinating the project and providing training and tools, City staff clearing the site and digging holes for the trees, and PG&E donating the trees. A fall planting day was scheduled so the trees could benefit from the winter rains.
The fourth-grade Girl Scouts arrived at Francesca Terrace Park at 9AM that Saturday morning. The event began as each troop member recited the Girl Scout Tree Promise.
“I promise to be a friend to every tree, just like they‘re a friend to me.
I will plant and protect them through and through with the help of my loyal Girl Scout crew.
Besides being beautiful, there’s more to see; or climate change, they hold a key.
They fill our lungs with cleaner air; it’s our responsibility to care.
That’s why I’ll advocate for every tree. Because I need them, and they need me!”
Troop leader Mangless congratulated the scouts on the impact they are making in their home town by joining with the Benicia Tree Foundation, the City and PG&E for a Tree Promise Project much larger than they initially imagined.
Goetz described to the scouts the trees to be planted, a combination of toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) trees. Both species are native to Solano County, provide habitat for wildlife, will not interfere with the overhead power lines and will grow on rainfall alone after they’re established. This talk was followed by a demonstration on how to plant a tree.
Armed with this training, the girls formed teams to plant the trees. Afterwards, the troop gathered in a Friendship Circle to make a silent wish as a friendship squeeze is passed from hand to hand around the circle. Water and snacks were enjoyed in the picnic area, and by 11AM the girls adjourned to the park’s playground.
After the event, Mangless reflected on how the girls have developed since the troop was formed in 2020. “Troop 31808 began as a virtual troop during the Pandemic when the girls were in kindergarten. The troop now has 18 members and has raised funds for several community projects. The girls really had a great time today and I could tell that they were proud of their work and contributions”.
Mike Hawkins, an arborist with the Right Tree Right Place Program, was pleased to support the Tree Promise Project. “This Girl Scout project raises awareness of safe planting practices near overhead and underground utilities, so PG&E was happy to be in a position to help,” said Hawkins. “We appreciate every opportunity to help our communities plant safely away from powerlines which helps prevent wildfires and reduce power outages while enhancing the beauty and quality of life in our hometowns.”
Alison Fleck, a Benicia Tree Foundation board member who assisted with the event, said the Tree Promise Project continues a long partnership the Foundation has maintained with the scouting community. “We have cooperated with local scout groups on numerous tree planting projects in our parks, schools and community spaces since 2009. They are a real joy to work with”.
Marcos Jaime, Benicia Parks and Building Maintenance Supervisor, explained why the city was hosting the Tree Promise Project. “When the park was built the western boundary was planted with trees that eventually grew into the powerlines. After we began removing these trees in 2020, we sought partnerships with various community groups who have since replanted the entire landscape strip with toyons and redbuds. Our next volunteer project at this park is to plant more trees to replace the old Monterey pines that screened the petroleum pipelines along the park’s eastern boundary. The pines died out years ago”.
“Benicia Tree Foundation tracks volunteer data and is proud to have recruited 919 volunteers for events at city-owned properties”, said Fleck. “Thirty percent were under 18 years old. These volunteers donated 2,120 hours of their labor to plant 298 trees and maintain another 2,106 trees at nine parks, the Lake Herman open space, the library and the community center. This volunteerism helps stretch scarce park funds and demonstrates the community’s support for parks”.
Volunteers carry mulch for the trees.
