“Trees make good neighbors” Tree Planting with The SCA

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. “The SCA programs allow participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces and more across the country. The SCA is devoted to building equitable access to nature, providing green job opportunities for young people and teaching members how to become environmental stewards. Founded in 1957, the SCA is committed to building the next generation of conservation leaders dedicated to the lifelong protection of the environment and our community green spaces.“

The SCA is a leader in conservation and champion of equity in the outdoors and protectors of the planet. They helped organized and support a tree planting ceremony at Smith Park in East Chicago that also honored a teacher in the community. Student volunteers came out to support and plant trees and the community rallied to plant over 60 trees on a chilly morning in April. Leo Sawyers a leader from the SCA shared that the trees are being strategically planted on the edge of the park to be a vegetative buffer because “trees make good neighbors.” It was a joy to photograph this even because the community feel and celebration was felt.

The SCA is working hard in creating the next generation of conservation leaders and their commitment to equity in the outdoors is inspiring.