WHITING, Ind. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA), bp America and the City of Whiting is hosting Tree Talk, a local community event to educate the public about the importance of tree planting in the area, on March 25. Participants will receive FREE native plants and bulbs to plant at home and can sign up for a FREE tree through the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission CommuniTree Program.
Join us in-person to learn more about the SCA, the benefits of trees and how to obtain a free tree for your yard. Participate in hands-on activities, including making seed balls to help native plants thrive. Participants will receive FREE native plants and bulbs to take home. Plus, the first 50 people to register will also receive FREE admission to the Mascot Hall of Fame. A complimentary taco lunch and refreshments will be provided.
“Planting trees is a simple way for the public to make a big difference in their community. We are excited to share how we are expanding the tree canopy in the area and look forward to meeting the residents,” said Leopold Sawyers, SCA Community Manager for Northwest Indiana. “Trees are an important addition to any community as they provide shelter from the blazing sun, reduce flooding, help clean our air and water, provide habitat for wildlife and provide significant social and health benefits for people.”
The SCA is a national non-profit changing lives through hands-on conservation work in the outdoors. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country, including the Bay Area. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
Through its Urban Green Program, the SCA provides young people with paid green jobs, including single-day service projects, seasonal work and year-long internships or fellowships. Throughout 2022, bp America and the SCA fueled youth conservation programs in the Greater Chicago area and Northwest Indiana with a focus on equity in the outdoors and environmental justice.
The SCA fielded its first community conservation program in Northwest Indiana in 2016. Partnering with the United States Forest Service, CommuniTree, Local Municipalities & Municipalities & National Park Service, crews have worked on a variety of conservation projects to maintain and advocate for increased green space. Since that first year, more than 10,000 trees have been planted across the Region to increase our Urban Forest and Tree Canopy. Thanks to local environmental organizations, schools, youth development organizations, and numerous community groups, the SCA continues to provide conservation opportunities to Northwest Indiana young adults each year.
The SCA Northwest Indiana Community Program offers both volunteer and paid service opportunities. Volunteer programs occur on weekends, while paid service programs run five days a week in the summertime. Members serve at sites in and around Northwest Indiana while working in urban forestry and ecological restoration fields. Participants gain job-specific training and certifications while exploring green jobs and building leadership skills. Crew members also learn about the local environment through educational field trips, outdoor recreation and service projects.
Applications are now open for the 2023 Calumet Tree Conservation Corps Young Adult Crew (Ages 18+).
EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: Tree Talk with The Student Conservation Association
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (CDT) Saturday, March 25, 2023
WHERE: Mascot Hall of Fame
1851 Front St.
Whiting, Ind. 46394
REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/SCATreeTalk
*FREE admission for the first 50 people to register*
About the Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. The SCA is devoted to building equitable access to nature, providing green job opportunities for young people and teaching members how to become environmental stewards. Founded in 1957, the SCA is committed to building the next generation of conservation leaders dedicated to the lifelong protection of the environment and the communities we serve. For more, visit www.thesca.org.
