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Tree Musketeers
By Naomi Gault, Staff Writer
Tree Musketeers is a non-profit organization focused on improving
the environment. In 1987, the group was founded by third graders in
a brownie Girl Scout troop. Tree Musketeers is still youth based
today and offers many classes in which to increase self-confidence
and leadership skills. Its programs are entirely run by responsible
members of the Youth Management Team (YMT). These young adults, like
their predecessors, are impassioned about their cause; global
warming, which has become an increasing concern. Because of large
amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the potential dangers
in the depletion of earth's ozone layer have become progressively
more notable. As helpless as a simple third grader may seem, that
concerned group of girls decided to help combat this ongoing hazard
by planting a tree, whom they named Marcie the Marvelous. Trees can
beautify an area, El Segundo's Main St. for example. Trees can also
provide privacy, attractive views, and increase property value. Home
trees can cut energy costs by providing shade, which lowers the need
of air conditioning. According to the International Society of
Arboriculture, "Trees alter the environment in which we live by
moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and
harboring wildlife."
The original Marcie Tree was planted
along Imperial Avenue in the grassy stretch that extends from Main
to Hillcrest St., known as Memory Row. Citizens are able to
purchase a tree with a commemorative plaque installed in the front
of it. In the year 2000, 104 melalueca trees were planted along
Grand Avenue in the block before Vista Del Mar. These Millennium
Trees help fight pollution from El Segundo's many smog sources,
helped "break up the heat island effect" on Grand Ave, reduce
erosion (blowing sand) during rains, and further beautified El
Segundo. Recently, in the last couple years, Tree Musketeers has
hosted another volunteer project known as Trees to the Sea. This
is a large get leadership roles." Trees to the Sea has been held for
two years now, 2007 being the third year, on Arbor Day. Currently
there are 269 trees along the highway, which will soon increase with
the installment of the planned 139 trees this coming March. 2008 may
be the last year, as that installment would meet their goal of 500
trees. Tree Musketeers has also entered into an environmental
exchange program with El Segundo's sister city of Guaymas, Mexico.
Headed by former El Segundo mayor Sandy Jacobs as a representative
of the Rotary Club, Tree Musketeers has joined forces to teach the
children of Guaymas about the significance of environmental care.
Over a series of visits in the last two years, volunteers have been
working on building a water tank for Guaymas. During the day, there
is insufficient water supplies for the town because most available
water is diverted to nearby crop fields. This coming Valentine's
Day, a group from the YMT will be visiting for one week to host
Youth Supervisor Training classes and take part in a community
planting of 20 to 30 trees. According to Tree Musketeer's National
Campaign Manager Jack Weber, "This is one of the best outreach
programs conducted between two sister cities. It is a great example
of how we can all benefit by a cultural exchange. Everyone involved
is richer because of the experience."
Tree Musketeers always has
opportunities for volunteering. Millennium tree care is held on the
third Saturday of every month. Volunteers learn of the history of
the Millennium trees and gain knowledge of tree importance and
proper tree management. Interactive activities on tree care include
mulching, pruning, watering, and weeding as necessary. Similar
volunteer sessions are held on the first Saturday of each month for
Memory Row tree care.
Tree Musketeers has had a positive
impact on the community. Senior Chris Tiernan agrees, saying "I
think they're a great organization. With what is going on with the
environment, they are a great help in planting trees all over the
place. The way that they are spreading their message all over the
world about the need for trees and to save the environment is
amazing."
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