February Breakfast Meeting & Tree Planting
An open invitation is extended to GreenGirls of all ages to help plant 100 trees in Pease Park, one of Austin's oldest jewels in need of our love and attention. Toward this end, we will join the Austin Parks Foundation and Friends of Pease Park for volunteer service on Saturday, February 21, 2009. We are reaching out to mothers and daughters, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Girls School of Austin, and other girls' groups to help us with this massive tree planting effort. Can we count you in?
First, some background. Did you know . . . ?
“There is an ecological disaster unfolding in Central Austin. Few of us have really noticed it has happened so gradually. Austin’s beloved shady Pease Park is becoming de-forested. Within a generation, there will be few trees and no woods. Instead, there will be a dusty field, rocky grounds and exposed hillsides with no place to shelter from the burning summer sun. The green canopy that makes a park a park will have disappeared.” More . . .
Pease Park has a rich history and is blessed to have some adoring fans and guardians watching over its future, as described in Richard Craig's article “Pease Park Eternal?.” More . . .
This volunteer service project is a great opportunity for women and girls who care passionately about the environment to make a difference! Adults must accompany girls under 15 years of age, and it is recommended that all participants be at least 9 years of age. Individuals (and group leaders) wishing to participate need to RSVP to let us know how many will be coming with you.
GreenGirls and our guests will gather for breakfast at 10am at the south end of the park to get connected, enjoy conversation and complimentary breakfast fare, a mix of breakfast tacos and bagels and cream cheese, [provided by Big Sky Pediatric Therapy]. Please bring your own beverage and container to drink out of. We will have some non-disposable, reusable plates, utensils, and napkins on hand [provided by Lynx Web Design]. However, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own (just like camping!). Be sure to RSVP to let us know to expect you.
We will begin helping with tree planting efforts at 11am. Although our group is scheduled to work only part of the day, you are welcome and encouraged to stay later if you want. Work crews are expected to be on-site from 9:30am until 4:30pm.
RSVP at http://www.greengirls.net/contact
Event: GreenGirls February Breakfast Meeting
When: Saturday, February 21, 10:00am to 11:00am
Where: Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury Street (link to map below)
. . . IMMEDIATELY followed by . . .
Event: GreenGirls Tree Planting
When: Saturday, February 21, 11:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury Street (link to map below)
Things to Bring:
. Your energy, enthusiasm, and fun-loving spirit
. Work gloves, preferably those that can be washed and reused
. Garden tools (optional)
. Water to drink
RSVP at http://www.greengirls.net/contact
PEASE PARK (initial meeting place at 1100 Kingsbury St) - View Google map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=1100+Kingsbury+St,+Austin,+Texas...
Irrigation lines have already been installed, and the holes for the trees will have already been dug by mechanical means, thanks to the City's Urban Forestry personnel at Parks & Recreation Department (PARD). If you want to bring your own tools, that would be helpful. We will need shovels and wheel-barrows in particular, so if you have any at home, you might want to bring them. The Austin Park Foundation will be able to provide some of these tools, but it never hurts to have extras on hand, just in case. It will make our work, mostly mulching and watering, go much more quickly!
Might your group also be interested in adopting a tree that will be planted in Pease Park? [This would involve choosing a tree that has been planted during the service project, then checking on that tree periodically to make sure it is doing well. What will make our planting efforts successful is that each tree survive the first 2-5 years. We need guardian angels watching over things to make sure each tree is getting sufficient water. Toward this end, you are encouraged to use available hoses on the property or bring your own bucket.] If interested, make your wish known (RSVP) via http://www.greengirls.net/contact
Cash donations for "Trees for Pease" are still being solicited. Anyone interested can go to the Austin Parks Foundation website for instructions on how to do so. [Look for “donor page” link.] http://www.austinparks.org/apfweb/park.php?&parkId=307 Or you may send your check to the APF at 701 Brazos, Suite 170, Austin, TX 78701. The check should be marked “Trees for Pease” or “Pease Park” so it gets properly credited.
If you haven't been to Pease Park, let us help you get oriented. GreenGirls.net recently adopted the street segment adjacent to the park, so we have posted a few photos at http://www.greengirls.net/adopt-a-street_cleanup_photos
We would sure love to see you at the park! Come on out and show you care!
Download Press Release.
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