What are trees Trees are stationary organisms and

What are trees? Trees are stationary organisms, and create their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Plants, as such, absorb carbon dioxide (Co 2), water (H 2 o), and sunlight. Then, the plant combines these materials and produces a product called sugar, which is the plants source of food. Other nutrients can be accessed by the plants roots in the soil.

How are trees beneficial in taking care of the environment? Trees provide shade and shelter. Also trees provide homes and food for animals. Oxygen Trees produce oxygen as a waste product. Co 2 Trees prevent litter and pollutants from causing any further damage by trapping such materials in roots and branches. And absorb carbon dioxide (Co 2). Trees prevent erosion by holding the soil in place with their roots, and by absorbing excess water.

• This year, the Bonnie Branch Green Team joined the Arbor Day Foundation, Foundation a non-profit educational organization. • Founded in 1972, the Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, trees with over one million members, supporters, and valued partners.

Click on the link below to view a video from the Arbor Day Foundation about the importance of rebuilding our national forests. • http: //www. arborday. org/media/psas. cfm

What do trees need in order to survive? • Water • Carbon Dioxide (Co 2) • Soil (to support and provide nutrients to plants) • Sunlight

How can I improve the health of my plants? • Composting is an excellent way to improve your plants health. Composting is when a gardener enables organic material to decompose, in a bin, or even in the ground. Then, the material is rich with nutrients and can be applied to plants as soil in order to improve their growth. Compost also ammends soil, is able to retain more water, and prevents pollution from reaching water sources.

Our BBMS Tree Planting • We chose to order and eventually plant Eastern Redbud trees on BBMS grounds because: 1. Attractive 2. Thrive in shade & sunlight 3. Native trees to the Ellicott City area

You Should Have…. A Plant Potting Soil Water A Tree (from the Arbor Day Foundation) • Gravel • Thin cloth • •

Directions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Gather materials given to your science teacher Set up area to pot tree Place gravel at bottom of plant pot. Place cloth above the rocks so that the soil doesn’t fall between the rocks. Fill the plant pot 1/2 full with soil Place the tree sapling in the plant pot Add soil so that the plants roots are covered with soil, and the plant is supported (at this point your class’ plant pot should be filled with soil, leaving 2 -3 inches of space from the rim) When finished potting your tree, place it in a sunny spot, such as near a window, and water it. Be careful, though, too much water can drown plants, and if your tree doesn’t get enough water, it can dry out.

Diagram of a Potted Tree

Where will the trees be planted when they are large enough? Do you recognize this area of the woods in the back of BBMS? The trees will eventually be planted here when they are large enough to survive outside.

GO GREEN!!! Thank you for participating in our school-wide tree planting, BBMS! Sincerely, The Green Team ~Catherine Strawley ~ Roselyn Dooley ~ Haley Kappey ~ Katie Eyes ~ Korliss Britt ~Leanna Feinleib ~Ta. Tiana Williams ~Alison Campbell ~Allison Leonard ~Alyssa Sneed