Fun with Trees at Crowder Park!

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Chinese Proverb

The SWC Eco Kids Program got off to a fun start Saturday at Crowder County Park in Apex, where 14 kids accompanied by 30 equally enthusiastic adults learned about trees and then proceeded to plant a variety of native trees throughout the park. Sarah Goldsmith, Environmental Educator at the park, led an interactive discussion with everyone about trees, including how to tell them apart and their important role in the ecosystem. Once everyone was geared up with shovels, trowels, and gloves, this group made short work of planting dozens of new trees at various flagged locations. These included American hollies, possum paws (look it up!), paw paws, willow oaks, sourwoods, Chickasaw plums, and others, all native to the piedmont and of high value to local wildlife.

Keep an eye out for more Eco Kids events coming up soon, including “Frogs!” at Bass Lake Park in March, a “Tree Hike” at Umstead Park in April, an “Animal Signs” hike in May, and a “Scavenger Hunt” at Lake Johnson Park in June.