Planning to Plant
- Either on your own or as a class, identify an area close to your school or community which could be improved by planting trees or shrubs.
- Determine the function of the planting, whether it will be as a shelterbelt, to improve wildlife habitat, stabilize a slope, or improve aesthetics for ecotourism.
- Study the various reforestation methods and decide the best way to regenerate the land. Prepare planting plans and, if in a group, select the best plan.
- Order the trees identified in the winning plan (or your own plan) from TREEmendous trees. Organize a planting day in early May, when the trees will arrive. Community service groups, area farmers or municipal workers may help with he planting and tending, depending on the location chosen and your need for help. The stand could become part of a local campaign to improve the school and community or the inspiration for holding an annual "plant a tree" program in your community during National Forest Week in the spring of each year.
- Visit a nearby forested land that has been artificially regenerated within the last 20 to 40 years. This can also be done using farm shelterbelts or older southern plantations established in the 1930's. PFRA, the Forestry Branch, or a Regional Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management office can assist you in locating these areas. If possible, visit a forest that was artificially regenerated 50 years ago (or more) and make comparisons between the two.
- Visit a tree nursery or research station to learn more about regeneration methods.
- Research and describe "prescribed burning" as an important forest management tool. How does this technique facilitate regeneration?
Evaluation:
- If you were given a plot of land to regenerate, how would you go about doing it and why? What information would you require? What steps would you follow?
- Write up the regeneration plan that includes this information.
- Describe the benefits of afforestation projects to wildlife, area farmers, local residents and the global community.
- Why should native plants be chosen over introduced species?
- If you were given a plot of land to regenerate, how would you go about doing it and why? What information would you require? What steps would you follow?
