According to seven-year-old Liah Tomalty — a member of the local Brownie troupe — the more trees, the better.
Soon, Tomalty will be making that happen, as she joins the local Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides of the Co-West District of the Girl Guides of Canada for a tree-planting excursion June 1 at the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site.
The planting starts at 9:30 a.m. and will run until 12:30 p.m.
“It’s important for us to plant more trees, because it’s important to have cleaner air,” said Tomalty, a first year member of 1st Cochrane Brownies.
About 60 white spruce trees will be planted at the event, said Liah’s mom and Brownie leader Susan Tomalty. She added the three-hour planting activity would be used as a chance to educate the guide members on the impact trees have on the environment.
“Part of the promise of the program is to take action for a better world,” Susan explained. “We thought this would be a great chance to offer our services to the community, while also raising awareness for environmental issues.
“And it’s a great way for the girls to get out there and dig in the dirt,” she added with a laugh. “They are excited to plant their own little forest.”
The Town of Cochrane has designated a specific spot — west of the corrals — for the white spruce trees to be planted, said Tomalty.
Funding for the project was provided by a grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
About 80 children are involved in local girl guides groups, which include the 1st Cochrane Sparks, Brownies, Girl Guides and the 1st Springbank Guides.
Girl Guides of Canada aims to enable girls to make a difference in the world by helping them develop the tools they need to be confident, brave and resourceful. This year, Alberta Girl Guides are celebrating their centennial anniversary.
Registration for the upcoming guiding year will open for new members June 3. Visit girlguides.ca to join or to learn more about the organization. Registration is currently open for all existing members.
Registration just wrapped up for the 2013/2014 scouting year for the local Scouts Canada branch.
This year, more than 60 youth enrolled in Cochrane First Scouting, which includes programs such as Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts.
Those who are finishing the current scouting year will soon be on their way to Sylvan Lake for the Canadian Scout Jamboree June 6-13. The jamboree will be bringing together youth, leaders and volunteers from across Canada for a week of hiking, exploring, adventure and events.
