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 clearing brush and 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.
 

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 the  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 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)  at  Sugar Drive. Held in cooperation with United Voices for Healthier Communities and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Nagy said she hoped the project would inspire additional neighborhoods to become involved.

Projects throughout the year include an annual Arbor Day tree beautification event held in local parks. The public is invited to attend and participate in such events and are encouraged to bring work gloves, sturdy shoes and clothing for gardening.

In 2007 the City of Huntington Beach public works department removed dead trees in Gibbs Park and tagged additional trees for removal in Central Park killed by beetle infestations.  Nagy of the Huntington Beach Tree Society hope to provide volunteer services such as grant writing for additional funds to replace the lost trees costing over $300,000 to remove and replace. 

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. 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 .