Tree planting volunteer opportunity

Those looking for volunteer opportunities can help plant trees in the Eglin Air Force Base area over the coming weeks. See the following email from Erica Laine of Eglin AFB Natural Resources:


All,

Volunteers are needed to help plant trees!!! Every year community volunteers join with Jackson Guard to plant trees within our watersheds. The trees stabilize the soil and reduce the erosion that enters our streams and smothers fragile habitat. The trees also help restore degraded areas to natural, forested conditions.

What you can expect to do on a tree planting day:

1. Plant 10+ trees each that come in 1 or 3 gallon buckets
2. Spread pine bark mulch around the planted tree
3. Walk over rough and uneven terrain
4. Kneel and bend repetitively
5. Lift/carry up to 25 pounds

What you will need to bring with you for the day:

• Dress in layers (depending on the weather)
• Long pants and close-toed shoes are required!!!
• Hat and sunglasses
• Chapstick – you’ll thank me for this reminder!
• Bug Spray (for the occasional gnat, mosquito or chigger)
• Lunch
• Water container (we will provide ice water)
• Work gloves – if you have them, if not, you can borrow ours

Time: 0800 – 1400 for each planting

Dates:
Friday – 15 January – Florida Arbor Day
Monday – 18 January – MLK Holiday
Friday – 12 February
Wednesday – 24 February

Where: Meet at Jackson Guard (directions will be provided upon request)

We need anywhere between 15 – 25 volunteers per tree planting. These plantings make excellent team building projects. You can volunteer for all or just one planting – your choice!

If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please email me at erica.laine.ctr@eglin.af.mil to sign up.