Plant a tree

YOUTH EXCHANGE
Plant a tree
ERASMUS+ Programme

Plant a Tree

LETS SPEAK
ABOUTTREES

BENEFITS of trees......

ANATOMY OF

Are all trees the

TREES

SAME?

Facts about trees

Lets plant trees

WHY PLANT TREES

Activity Room

Erasmus+ Programme

Plant a tree

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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 tree

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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.

Plant a tree
Lets speak about trees
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.

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.

Anatomy of treesWhat are the parts of a tree???

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
4. Branches connect the trunk to the leaves and transport
important jobs to do. They anchor the tree to the
water and minerals to the leaves. The leaves, which are held
ground so that it can stand upright, and they absorb
up by branches, are arranged in a way that captures maximum
water, minerals and nutrients (tree food) from the soil.
sunlight. The tips of branches are known as twigs and these
3. TREE BARK - The trunk of a tree, which is
are the growing ends of the tree. Leaves grow on the twigs
protected by a tough outer covering of bark, connects and produce food for the whole tree, but can only do this in
the roots to the branches and transports water and
sunlight.
minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree. The trunk
5. Leaves are green and they make food for the tree. Leaves
supports the tree and as it grows taller than the plants
use energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide in the air
around it, it is able to reach more sunlight, which is
and water from the soil into sugars to feed the tree. This
essential for growth.
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 its 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 SoilTrees 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 its 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.

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.
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 suns 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 plants structure and
function.
In this process, leaves also absorb other air
pollutantssuch as ozone, carbon monoxide, and
sulphur dioxideand 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.

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.

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

Trees keep our air supply fresh by absorbing
carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

A tree does not reach its most productive

stage of carbon storage for about 10 years.

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

carbon as is produced by a car driven up to 8700
miles.

Trees cut down noise pollution by acting as

sound barriers.

Trees provide shade and shelter, reducing yearly

heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.

Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent

erosion.

Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water

in their leaves.

Trees improve water quality by slowing and

filtering rain water as well as protecting
aquifers and watersheds.

The average tree in metropolitan area survives only

about 8 years!

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 Do
What You Need
wooded area
blindfolds
paper
crayons
tree identification book

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 trees shape.
Second quarter: do a bark rubbing of the trees trunk.
Third quarter: draw a picture of one of your trees leaves.
Fourth quarter: sketch the trees 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
youre 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
Experimentculo Associao Cultural Portugal
European Youth Parliament Foundation Romania
Asociacin La Tierra Verde Gran Canaria, Spain
Zachodniopomorska Wojewdzka Komenda Ochotniczych Hufcw Pracy w Szczecinie Poland
Mtestedet frivilligsentral Hery - Norway

Final designs: Katerina Dimovska