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YOUTH EXCHANGE

“Plant a tree”

ERASMUS+ Programme

Plant a tree

“Plant a Tree” LETS SPEAK ABOUTTREES

ANATOMY OF TREES

Are all trees the SAME?

BENEFITS of trees...... Facts about trees

Lets plant trees

Activity Room WHY PLANT TREES

Erasmus+ Programme

Plant a t ree – t h e p r o j e c t The Youth exchange “Plant a tree” was implemented in Murter, Croatia in the period between 16 - 24 May 2015. 49 participants from Croatia, Macedonia, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Poland and Romania had the opportunity to discover the meaning of trees in our lives and work together for the good of our green future. For 9 days these youngsters worked on discovering the importance of trees, trees that Europe as a continent share, discovering diversity in trees and diversity in Europe, developing intercultural understanding and dialogue and at the same time changing behaviors for their future. The main topic of our exchange was environment and protection of environment with focus on trees as part of our community, of our yard, of our life. Participants on the exchange learned the various benefits we gain from trees such us trees being the lounges of our nature, moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife. Participants learned about the role of trees in our lives, found out the meaning of the saying – plant a tree – plant your future; learned to respect nature and worked on their individual approach towards nature.

Through implementing interesting creative and non-formal workshops based on the concept of learning by doing participants were provided with the opportunity to learn about nature, environment and how important is to take care of our planet. Through the project we gave a chance to 49 youngsters to work together and explore a topic of their join interest, environment; a chance to meet and share their cultures, learn about each other, recognize and accept diversity. Through the various educative, creative, practical workshops implemented and non-formal methods of learning used in all activities participants have practice their presentation, organizational, creative and animation skills; they have enriched their knowledge on environmental topics, learned how to reduce their footprint on the planet, how to preserve nature, had the possibility to listen to positive actions implemented on this topics around Europe, learned a lot about different cultures and traditions and practiced tolerance, respect and acceptance.

Plant a t ree – t h e p r o j e c t Objectives of the project were: to raise awareness about the meaning of environment and to promote protection of the environment we are sharing by giving a chance to 49 youngsters to take part in a project working on the theme trees around us; To promote sustainable development to 49 youngsters; To broaden participants knowledge about the meaning of the trees as a fundamental part of the environment we are living in; To motivate participants creativity to invent a booklet speaking about trees and aiming to raise awareness of trees to a wider audience; To promote Cultural diversity in Europe by giving an opportunity to 49 youngsters to experience other cultures while practically living and working for a common goal and to increase tolerance as well as to strengthen inter-cultural dialogue; To include the young people from multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-path backgrounds, young people coming from less development areas with fewer opportunity to travel/have the less chances to meet the culture of the other European countries. We strongly believe that we have achieved all our set objectives.

As final results of the project we have implemented a local action day that was designed by our group of participants. The day united two parts: one part dedicated to painting a wall in the center of the local community in Murter and one part dedicated for local promotion on how important is planting trees for us. With the final day of action we involved local kids and spread information among the local population about the importance of trees and environment. Also, we published this e-booklet – explaining what we have learned during the exchange. The booklet is easy to follow and enjoyable to read and you can used it as a tool in promotion of environmental protection. At the end of the project we have published as well a movie created by the participants that speaks about the exchange itself and the activities undertaken.

P l a n t a t r e e

L e t ’ s s p e a k a b o u t t r e e s

A tree is a perennial woody plant. It is most often defined as a woody plant that has

many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or trunk

with clear apical dominance. A minimum height specification at maturity is cited by

some authors, varying from 3 m2 to 6 m3 some authors set a minimum of 10 cm trunk

diameter (30 cm girth). Woody plants that do not meet these definitions by having

multiple stems and/or small size are called shrubs. Compared with most other plants,

trees are the longest living organisms on earth. Some reaching several thousand years old

and they grow taller than any other living things event up to 115 m high.

Trees are an important part of our daily lives. Often called nature's air

conditioners, trees provide shade and relief from the sun's heat and

harmful rays. They also absorb carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), and in

turn, replenish the atmosphere with oxygen for us to breathe. In

addition, trees make our environment more beautiful with their different

colours, flowers and shapes. They give us a sense of peace and invite us

to relax. All in all, trees give us a lot and ask for very little in return.

These are some of the reasons why trees are valuable to our society.

1. SEED - Like all plants, a tree begins from a seed.

Inside each tree seed is a tree waiting to be born! A

seed must have food, water and light to grow. Once

the seed sprouts, it grows into a seedling that grows

into a sapling and eventually saplings grow into

trees that produce their own seeds.

2. ROOTS - All trees have roots, which have two

important jobs to do. They anchor the tree to the

ground so that it can stand upright, and they absorb

water, minerals and nutrients (tree food) from the soil.

3. TREE BARK - The trunk of a tree, which is

protected by a tough outer covering of bark, connects

the roots to the branches and transports water and

minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree. The trunk

supports the tree and as it grows taller than the plants

around it, it is able to reach more sunlight, which is

essential for growth.

Anatomy of trees—What are the parts of a tree???

4. Branches connect the trunk to the leaves and transport

water and minerals to the leaves. The leaves, which are held

up by branches, are arranged in a way that captures maximum

sunlight. The tips of branches are known as twigs and these

are the growing ends of the tree. Leaves grow on the twigs

and produce food for the whole tree, but can only do this in

sunlight.

5. Leaves are green and they make food for the tree. Leaves

use energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide in the air

and water from the soil into sugars to feed the tree. This

process is known as photosynthesis. Trees release oxygen into

the air during photosynthesis. This is very important, as all

animals - including us humans -- need oxygen to survive.

THE ANATOMY OF TREES

Look at the picture so you can identify the anatomy of trees

A – this is the outer bark that protects the tree.

B – this is something like a phloem – its help the tree to get food and lives short time

C – this produces hormones – that stimulates grow

D – this is called sapwood – it’s the trees pipeline for water

E – the supporting pillar of the tree – this is made off many cellulose fiber, lignin (glow) and its strong as steel.

The life of one tree.... In order for one tree to live it needs:

· Light and heat– Light from the sun provides the energy that trees need to manufacture food. Energy for the

photosynthesis comes from the sun. Plants rarely grow at low temperature.

· Water– Trees need water to prevent wilting, produce food, move substances throughout the tree and for cooling.

· Nutrients– Trees need 16 elements to grow. They get carbon and oxygen from air, hydrogen and oxygen from water, and

everything else from soil. They need lots of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and lesser amounts of sulphur, calcium

and magnesium. They need a little bit of boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.

· Room To Grow-Tree roots need plenty of room to grow so they can anchor the tree, and take up water and minerals.

Branches need room to spread and capture energy from the sun. Branches need space away from buildings, roadways,

utility lines and other trees so they can grow to their natural size without injury or excessive pruning.

· Well-Drained Soil–Trees need soil that drains and allows the free movement of oxygen, other gases and water. When soil

pore spaces are full of water or are compacted, tree roots cannot get everything they need to function properly.

Are All Trees the Same?

Trees come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. There is an incredible diversity of tree species around the world - some 60,000 to 70,000 species of trees have been identified!

Some trees lose their leaves every autumn. The leaves change color before they fall off the tree. A tree that loses its leaves in autumn is called deciduous tree. In September and October it’s easy

to recognize deciduous trees. Some trees, such as the holly and the yew have green leaves all year round. These are evergreen trees. Some evergreen trees have small needle-like leaves and cones. These are conifers. (Christmas tree) and you can find them in very cold countries where there is a lot of snow in winter. These trees are shaped like this so that the heavy fall of snow does not

break their branches.

Different trees have different shapes:

Benefits of trees Most trees and shrubs in cities or communities are planted to provide beauty or

shade. These are two excellent reasons for their use. Woody plants also serve many

other purposes and it often is helpful to consider these other functions when selecting

a tree or shrub for the landscape. The benefits of trees can be grouped into social,

communal, environmental, and economic categories.

Social Benefits

We like trees around us because they make life more pleasant. Most of us respond to the

presence of trees beyond simply observing their beauty. We feel serene, peaceful, restful, and

tranquil in a grove of trees. We are “at home” there. Hospital patients have been shown to recover

from surgery more quickly when their hospital room offered a view of trees. The strong ties between

people and trees are most evident in the resistance of community residents to removing trees to

widen streets. Or we note the heroic efforts of individuals and organizations to save particularly

large or historic trees in a community.

The stature, strength, and endurance of trees give them a cathedral-like quality. Because of their

potential for long life, trees frequently are planted as living memorials. We often become personally

attached to trees that we or those we love have planted.

Environmental Benefits: Trees alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harbouring wildlife. Climate control is obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain. Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed or deflected by leaves on deciduous trees in the summer and is only filtered by branches of deciduous trees in winter. We are cooler when we stand in the shade of trees and are not exposed to direct sunlight. In winter, we value the sun’s radiant energy. Therefore, we should plant only small or deciduous trees on the south side of homes. Wind speed and direction can be affected by trees. The more compact the foliage on the tree or group of trees, the greater the influence of the windbreak. The downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail is initially absorbed or deflected by trees, which provides some protection for people, pets, and buildings. Temperature in the vicinity of trees is cooler

than that away from trees. The larger the tree, the greater the cooling. By using trees in the cities, we are able to moderate the heat-island effect caused by pavement and buildings in commercial areas. Air quality can be improved through the use of trees, shrubs, and turf. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulates. Rain then washes the pollutants to the ground. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant’s structure and function. In this process, leaves also absorb other air pollutants—such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide—and give off oxygen. By planting trees and shrubs, we return to a more natural, less artificial environment. Birds and other wildlife are attracted to the area. The natural cycles of plant growth, reproduction, and decomposition are again present, both above and below ground. Natural harmony is restored to the urban environment.

Community Benefits

City trees often serve several architectural and engineering functions. They provide

privacy, emphasize views, or screen out objectionable views. They reduce glare and

reflection. They direct pedestrian traffic. They provide background to and soften,

complement, or enhance architecture.

Economic Benefits

Individual trees and shrubs have value, but the variability of species, size, condition, and function makes determining their economic value difficult. The economic benefits of trees can be both direct and indirect. Direct economic

benefits are usually associated with energy costs. Air-conditioning costs are lower in a tree-shaded home. Heating costs are reduced when a home has a windbreak. Trees increase in value from the time they are planted until they mature. Trees are a wise investment of funds because landscaped homes are more valuable than non-landscaped

homes. The savings in energy costs and the increase in property value directly benefit each home owner.

The indirect economic benefits of trees are even greater. These benefits are available to the community or region. Lowered electricity bills are paid by customers when power companies are able to use less water in their cooling

towers, build fewer new facilities to meet peak demands, use reduced amounts of fossil fuel in their furnaces, and use fewer measures to control air pollution. Communities also can save money if fewer facilities must be built to control

storm water in the region. To the individual, these savings are small, but to the community, reductions in these expenses are often in the thousands of Euros.

· Trees keep our air supply fresh by absorbing

carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

· In one year, an acre of trees can absorb as much

carbon as is produced by a car driven up to 8700

miles.

· Trees provide shade and shelter, reducing yearly

heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.

· Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water

in their leaves.

· The average tree in metropolitan area survives only

about 8 years!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TREES !!!!!!!!

· A tree does not reach its most productive

stage of carbon storage for about 10 years.

· Trees cut down noise pollution by acting as

sound barriers.

· Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent

erosion.

· Trees improve water quality by slowing and

filtering rain water as well as protecting

aquifers and watersheds.

· Trees provide protection from downward fall

of rain, sleet, and hail as well as reduce

storm run-off and the possibility of

flooding,

· Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Lets PLANT TREESSS ! The ideal time to plant trees and shrubs is during the dormant season and in the fall after leaf drop or early

spring before bud break. Weather conditions are cool and allow plants to establish roots in the new location

before spring rains and summer heat stimulate new top growth. However, trees properly cared for in the nursery

or garden centre, and given the appropriate care during transport to prevent damage, can be planted throughout

the growing season. In tropical and subtropical climates where trees grow year round, any time is a good time

to plant a tree, provided that sufficient water is available. In either situation, proper handling during planting

is essential to ensure a healthy future for new trees and shrubs. Before you begin planting your tree, be sure

you have had all underground utilities located prior to digging.

If the tree you are planting is balled or bare root, it

is important to understand that its root system

has been reduced by 90 to 95 percent of its

original size during transplanting. As a result of

the trauma caused by the digging process, trees

commonly exhibit what is known as transplant

shock. Containerized trees may also experience

transplant shock, particularly if they have

circling roots that must be cut. Transplant shock

is indicated by slow growth and reduced vigor

following transplanting.

Proper site preparation before and during

planting coupled with good follow-up care

reduces the amount of time the plant

experiences transplant shock and allows

the tree to quickly establish in its new

location. Carefully follow nine simple

steps, and you can significantly reduce

the stress placed on the plant at the time of

planting.

Plant a tree !

1. Dig a shallow, broad planting hole. Make the hole

wide, as much as three times the diameter of the root

ball but only as deep as the root ball. It is important

to make the hole wide because the roots on the newly

establishing tree must push through surrounding

soil in order to establish. On most planting sites in

new developments, the existing soils have been

compacted and are unsuitable for healthy root

growth. Breaking up the soil in a large area around

the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to

expand into loose soil to hasten establishment.

2. Identify the trunk flare. The trunk flare is where the

roots spread at the base of the tree. This point should

be partially visible after the tree has been planted

(see diagram). If the trunk flare is not partially

visible, you may have to remove some soil from the

top of the root ball. Find it so you can determine how

deep the hole needs to be for proper planting.

3. Remove tree container for containerized trees. Carefully cutting down the sides of the container may make this easier. Inspect the root ball for circling roots and cut or remove them. Expose the trunk flare, if necessary.

4. Place the tree at the proper height. Before placing the tree in the hole, check to see that the hole has been dug to the proper depth and no more. The majority of the roots on the newly planted tree will develop in the top 12 inches of soil. If the tree is planted too deeply, new roots will have difficulty developing because of a lack of oxygen. It is better to plant the tree a little high, 2 to 3 inches above the base of the trunk flare, than to plant it at or below the original growing level. This planting level will allow for some settling (see diagram). To avoid damage when setting the tree in the hole, always lift the tree by the root ball and never by the trunk.

5. Straighten the tree in the hole. Before you begin backfilling, have someone view the tree from several directions to confirm that the tree is straight. Once you begin backfilling, it is difficult to reposition the tree.

.

6. Fill the hole gently but firmly. Fill the hole about

one-third full and gently but firmly pack the soil

around the base of the root ball. Then, if the root

ball is wrapped, cut and remove any fabric,

plastic, string, and wire from around the trunk

and root ball to facilitate growth (see diagram). Be

careful not to damage the trunk or roots in the

process. Fill the remainder of the hole, taking care

to firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that

may cause roots to dry out. To avoid this problem,

add the soil a few inches at a time and settle with

water. Continue this process until the hole is filled

and the tree is firmly planted. It is not

recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of

planting.

7. Stake the tree, if necessary. If the tree is grown

and dug properly at the nursery, staking for

support will not be necessary in most home

landscape situations. Studies have shown that

trees establish more quickly and develop

stronger trunk and root systems if they are

not staked at the time of planting. However,

protective staking may be required on sites

where lawn mower damage, vandalism, or

windy conditions are concerns. If staking is

necessary for support, there are three methods to

choose among: staking, guying, and ball

stabilizing. One of the most common methods

is staking. With this method, two stakes used

in conjunction with a wide, flexible tie material

on the lower half of the tree will hold the tree

upright, provide flexibility, and minimize

injury to the trunk (see diagram). Remove

support staking and ties after the first year of

growth.

8. Mulch the base of the tree. Mulch is simply organic

matter applied to the area at the base of the tree. It acts

as a blanket to hold moisture, it moderates soil

temperature extremes, and it reduces competition

from grass and weeds. Some good choices are leaf

litter, pine straw, shredded bark, peat moss, or

composted wood chips. A 2- to 4-inch layer is ideal.

More than 4 inches may cause a problem with

oxygen and moisture levels. When placing mulch, be

sure that the actual trunk of the tree is not covered.

Doing so may cause decay of the living bark at the

base of the tree. A mulch-free area, 1 to 2 inches wide

at the base of the tree, is sufficient to avoid moist

bark conditions and prevent decay.

9. Provide follow-up care. Keep the soil moist but not soaked; overwatering causes leaves to turn yellow or

fall off. Water trees at least once a week, barring rain, and more frequently during hot weather. When

the soil is dry below the surface of the mulch, it is time to water. Continue until mid-fall, tapering off

for lower temperatures that require less-frequent watering. Other follow-up care may include minor

pruning of branches damaged during the planting process. Prune sparingly immediately after

planting and wait to begin necessary corrective pruning until after a full season of growth in the new

location.

After you have completed these nine simple steps, further routine care and

favourable weather conditions will ensure that your new tree or shrub will grow

and thrive. A valuable asset to any landscape, trees provide a long-lasting

source of beauty and enjoyment for people of all ages.

WHY PLANT TREES????

Tree planting is the most popular Earth Day event and one of the most common activities people associate with

helping the Earth. Billions of trees are planted in the world each year. Planting is an act of putting down roots

and contributing to the future. The simple act of planting a tree, helps the environment in so many ways.

ADOPT A TREE!!

Objectives:

• Discover different kinds of trees through

the senses.

• Learn how to differentiate tree species.

What You Need

wooded area

blindfolds

paper

crayons

tree identification book

What You Do

Part 1 In a wooded area, have your group pair up at a starting point. One partner in each

pair is blindfolded. Blindfolded players are led by their partners to a tree, where they “get

to know” the tree by touching it, smelling it, measuring it with their arms, noticing what

the bark feels like and how the tree trunk is shaped, etc. The blindfolded players are then

lead back to the starting point where the blindfolds are removed and the players must

identify which tree is theirs. Several different trees may have to be felt before the right one

is found. Partners will then switch roles and play the activity again using a different tree.

Part 2 Give your participants a large piece of paper to fold into quarters. Have them

choose their favourite tree, grab a crayon and brush up on their artistic abilities! In the:

First quarter: draw your favourite tree’s shape.

Second quarter: do a bark rubbing of the tree’s trunk.

Third quarter: draw a picture of one of your tree’s leaves.

Fourth quarter: sketch the tree’s fruit or cone, if present, or write a poem about your

special tree!

Have your group identify their trees using the field guide and then share their findings

with each other to discover similarities and differences among the trees. For older

participants you can turn this sensory activity into a more interpretive one. Ask them to

look at their surroundings for evidence of birds or other animals; can they see any sky

when they stand underneath their tree; how much shade does the tree throw; how tall is

the tree; what type of soil is the tree growing in; if they were an animal, what would

they look for in a tree?

Part 3 Collect different tree leaves and take a close look at each one. Identify what is

special or different. Are the edges smooth or rough, or is the leaf like a needle? While

you’re out collecting leaves, collect twigs, bark, flowers and seeds as well. Try to

identify different kinds of trees by using their parts. Count how many different trees are

in your area and discover which trees are common to all parts of your country, and

which are common to all Europe.

What is Erasmus+?

Erasmus + is the EU's new programme for boosting skills and employability through education, training, youth, and sport.

Between 2014-2020 the programme will provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad.

What does it involve? Funding for youth activities under Erasmus+ aims to improve the key competences, skills and employability of young people, promote young people's social inclusion and well-being, and foster improvements in youth work and youth policy at local, national and international level. Concretely in the field of youth, the Erasmus+ programme offers three main opportunities:

Key Action 1: mobility opportunities for young people and youth workers. Young people have the opportunity to participate in youth-exchanges or to volunteer for a period up to one year in another country. Youth workers can take part in training and networking activities abroad or spend some time in a youth organisation abroad for a job shadowing or an observation period.

Key Action 2: opportunities for cooperation for innovation and exchange of good practices. Organisations can apply for funding to work in partnership with organisations from other participating countries. The projects funded under this action will focus on sharing, developing and transferring innovative practices in education, training and youth provision between participating countries.

Key Action 3: opportunities to support policy reform. The Erasmus+ programme will fund strategic activities supporting policy reform across the EU. Funding opportunities in the field of youth under this action can take the form of meetings between young people and decision makers.

Who can take part?

Various opportunities are available under Erasmus+, including opportunities for young people (aged 13-30), youth organisations, and other stakeholders active in the field of youth.

This booklet was developed as a result from the project “Plant a Tree”, Youth exchange

implemented under the Erasmus+ Programme,

This project has been implemented by the partner promoters:

Udruga za zastitu prirode i okolisa te promicanje odrzivog razvoja ARGONAUTA – Croatia

Zdruzenie KREATOR Kumanovo – Macedonia

Experimentáculo Associação Cultural – Portugal

European Youth Parliament Foundation – Romania

Asociación La Tierra Verde – Gran Canaria, Spain

Zachodniopomorska Wojewódzka Komenda Ochotniczych Hufców Pracy w Szczecinie – Poland

Møtestedet frivilligsentral Herøy - Norway

Final designs: Katerina Dimovska