Mary Christine Stevens/For the Mining Gazette Lynne Robertson, left, and Troop Leader Angel Miller, right, pose with Girl Scout Troop 5625 at their Tree Planting Ceremony in Houghton on Saturday.

HOUGHTON — On Saturday, Girl Scout Troop 5625 gathered at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park to educate the public about the importance of trees and native species, as well as plant a tree of their own. 

Despite the pounding rain, the four girls, along with Troop Leader Angel Miller, each read a brief statement about the importance of trees. They explained how they house countless species of animals, aid in water and land retention, and purify the air we breathe. Lynne Robertson, a member of Keweenaw Wild Ones, was also in attendance. 

Robertson explained how she helped the troop select a Northern Red Oak for their planting.

“Oaks are a keystone species, meaning they’re the top of the list for supporting air and water quality and enhancing the environment,” Robertson said.

She also reflected on her time teaching and advising the Girl Scout troop.

“It’s been fun to be involved,” she said, “and it’s enhanced my life, too.” 

Miller elaborated on how much the girls in her troop have learned through engaging in the Girl Scout Tree Promise.

“The past few months, they’ve worked on learning about the impact trees have not only on us, but on wildlife, pollinators and plants as well.”

Miller also extended a ‘Thank-you” to Eric Waara, manager of the City of Houghton, for allowing the troop to plant at the park. 

After the short presentation, the girls and their troop leader got to work. Once they got the tree in the ground, they tamped down soil around its base to hold it in place. Mulch was also added to help with water retention. The troop hopes the young oak, which the girls named “Burt,” will last for many years to come. At the end of the ceremony, the girls were each presented with a special patch, and Robertson was surprised with a certificate as a thank-you for her role in the activity. After the planting ceremony, refreshments were served. 

The tree was planted as part of a conservation project called the Girl Scout Tree Promise. According to Miller, Girl Scouts teamed up with Elliott Wildlife Values Project and American Forests in 2021, in order to “launch a bold environmental conservation initiative.” Girl Scouts everywhere have been called to help by, “planting, protecting, and honoring trees,” with an organization-wide goal of planting 55,000 trees around the world. 

The Girl Scouts have been very involved in the Houghton/Hancock community lately. The Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes visited Hancock on Monday and brought their “Adventures on the Go” with them. Kids and youth got to participate in activities such as knot-tying, STEM education, arts and crafts, and cookie tasting. 

To find and join a Girl Scout troop near you, visit www.girlscouts.org.