Make A Difference Day:  Who are you going to call  when you need to plant trees? Call an Eagle Scout, of course! 

Eagle Scout Dylan Higginson recently offered his services to not only work on his scout badges, but to help the local environment by planting trees. Under the direction of the Huntington Beach Tree Society and its members, Make a Difference Day was held on Saturday October 27th, 2007.  Jean Nagy And The Huntington Beach Tree Society partnered with 15 year old Huntington Beach High School junior, Dylan Higginson, who earned his Eagle Scout badge by planting more than 150 plants on this hill above Overlook Drive. Located at the end of Seapoint Avenue Near Garfield In Huntington Beach, many volunteers helped with this event. To get involved in the Huntington Beach Tree Society, call  Jean Nagy at: (714) 564-1396 or  (562) 760-0733. You can also visit: www.hbtrees.org .
 

Volunteers are sought for projects at the Huntington Beach Tree Society's urban forest located in Huntington Beach Central Park.  The Huntington Beach Tree Society recently received recognition from the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA). Recognized for Outstanding Urban Forestry Contributions to Their Community, HB Tree Society has actively sought grants for trees, and organized projects to plant trees in local parks.

But the HB Tree Society has not limited its efforts merely to the public parks.  In the fall 2007 officials for the organization announced they would plant 65 trees on an empty strip of land next to the San Diego Freeway I-405 Freeway at  Sugar Drive. Held in cooperation with United Voices for Healthier Communities and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Nagy stated she hoped the project would  inspire additional neighborhoods to become involved.

Projects throughout the year include an annual Arbor Day tree beautification project held in local parks. Volunteers are invited to participate in events and are encouraged to bring work gloves, and wear appropriate clothing such as sturdy shoes for gardening.

While the City of Huntington Beach is involved with removal of dead trees killed by several types of beetle infestations in city parks, Nagy and the HB Tree Society have assisted with volunteer services such as grant writing to obtain additional funding for replacement of the expensive removals costing over $300,000.  Parks affected have been the Butterfly Park near Meadowlark Golf Club and Central Park, the centerpiece of  Huntington Beach's park system.

Huntington Beach Tree Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to planting and preservation of trees throughout Huntington Beach parks and public areas. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Huntington Beach City Hall, 2000 Main St., Room B-6, Huntington Beach, CA. Volunteers, new members and corporate sponsors are sought. Call  Jean Nagy at: (714) 564-1396 or  (562) 760-0733.