Tree Promise

Join our mission to protect the planet from the effects of climate change!

With the Elliott Wildlife Values Project and American Forests we are launching a bold tree planting and conservation initiative. Girl Scouts is setting out to plant five million trees across the country in five years, and to protect and honor new and existing trees. Not only is this great for wildlife, it will also help ease the effects of climate change. From Girl Scout Daisies through Ambassadors to adult members and partners, every member and friend of Girl Scouts is being asked to join together in this five-year initiative.

To earn the Girl Scout Tree Promise (GSTP) patch, Girl Scouts must:

1) Take the Girl Scout Tree Promise

2) Plant, protect, or honor trees!

3) Record the trees you plant in the online tree tracker.

4) Visit the Girl Scout Shop for your 2023 Girl Scout Tree Promise patch!

Celebrate with Us!

Join fellow GSMISTS members and sister Girl Scouts at a date-and-time event or connect with our amazing Program Partners for a Program on Demand.

We’re lining up several planting, stewardship, and environmental programs to make participating in the Girl Scout Tree Promise easy. 2023 Programs will be added as they are organized - keep checking this page and our events calendar for more!

Date & Time Events

Greater Grand Rapids: Fall 2023 Tree Promise Planting Days with Kent County Parks - Coming soon
Lakeshore: Stay tuned for 2023 Muskegon area Tree Promise opportunities
Northern Michigan: Stay tuned for 2023 Tree promise opporutnities in Northern Michigan

Programs on Demand

Across our council, numerous environmental and outdoor organizations are excited and prepared to help you fulfil the Girl Scout Tree Promise! Connect with a Program Partner to schedule a program for your troop, learn from the pros, and start your own Tree Promise adventure.

Kent County Parks

The Kent County Parks (KCP) Department enhances the quality of life in Kent County by providing outstanding parks and trails adhering to the highest standards of recreation. The department efficiently achieves this vision by developing vibrant partnerships, sustainable funding, and accessible parks and trails that amply meet the needs of future generations.

In addition to the tree planting events listed above, KCP Volunteer Services offers the opportunity for volunteers to work with staff to develop and plan a Girl Scout troop self managed tree planting project day. KCP provides tools and supplies for park tree planting projects based on tree species availability and inventory.

For more information, contact KCP Volunteer Services at park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov

Michigan State University Extension

Michigan-State-University-Extention-Tree-Promise

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) strives to deliver researched based knowledge to individuals, communities and businesses in Michigan through interactive programming.

The Michigan Eyes on the Forest and Sentinel Tree program will provide an in-depth look at invasive forest pests and how they can affect Michigan's forests. Take the knowledge one step further and sign-up to monitor a tree's health in your neighborhood!

To schedule an event with MSUE, reach out to Julie Crick at (989) 390-0317 or crickjul@msu.edu to get involved in keeping trees healthy!

Muskegon Conservation District

In addition to their Date & Time events (see 'Lakeshore' above), Muskegon Conservation District will be offering a Program on Demand. TBA.

Otsego Conservation District

The mission of the Otsego Conservation District is to assist the people of Otsego County in the wise use and management of their natural resources, for a healthy environment and sustained economic growth. They host many educational programs and workshops, hold annual tree sale fundraisers, run the county recycling program, and have become an important resource on all things natural resources for our community.

There is a 3 acre demonstration garden, including a children's garden, and a 16 acre conservation forest at the Otsego Conservation District. They always have projects going on including tree sales, native plant nursery plating and transplanting, tree and garden care throughout the gardens, and many educational workshops and events. Troops can contact them to participate in an existing event or to develop an individual opportunity based on their abilities and needs.

Contact Patricia Osburn at (989) 732-4021 or otsegoconservation@gmail.com to plan your personal troop experience!

ReLeaf Michigan

ReLeaf Michigan is Michigan's only statewide tree planting non-profit organization, working with communities and organizations throughout Michigan to protect and restore our urban and rural tree canopies. Founded by some of the most respected arborists in the state, ReLeaf Michigan plants trees on public property with volunteers and provides tree related education via presentations and hands on workshops. Right tree, right place, right time is our goal to ensure each tree thrives for generations to come.

Michigan Big Tree Hunt - the hunt to find the largest trees in the state is underway. Go to www.releafmichigan.org/big-tree-hunt.html to find out how to become involved

You can also reach out to ReLeaf to schedule activities such as:

Hands on tree planting workshop
Tree related presentations on just about any topic
Women in Arboriculture career talks
Troop funded tree planting; minimum of 10 trees; turn key process, costs associated

Activities should be scheduled out 4 -6 weeks for presentations, 2 months for plantings. Contact Melinda Jones at (734) 718-2702 or mjones@ReLeafMichigan.org to get involved.

SEEDS Ecology & Education

SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to implement local solutions to global issues at the intersection of ecology, education, and design.

Troops may schedule weekday tours of the SEEDS management area at Historic Barns Park to learn about clean energy, our tree planting initiative for wetlands, perennial foodscapes, and park history. Donations are suggested.

Contact Jennifer Flynn at (231) 947.0312 or jennifer@ecoseeds.org to get involved at Historic Barns Park.

Honoring Trees

Michigan Big Tree Hunt

Join ReLeaf Michigan and participate in the Michigan Big Tree Hunt. Founded in in 1993 to celebrate our state’s beauty, this activity is a creative and fun way to gather information about Michigan’s biggest trees. All age groups are encouraged to get out and join the hunt!
https://www.releafmichigan.org/big-tree-hunt.html

Manistee National Forest – Plant-a-Tree

The Plant-a-Tree program provides a way for people to have trees planted on National Forests to memorialize loved ones or commemorate births, weddings, anniversaries or other special events, while helping to improve the environment.

For a suggested minimum donation of $10, donors receive acknowledgement of their gift and the name of the person in whose honor the donation is made is placed on the certificate.
Learn more here

Share Your Story

Tell us about your Tree Promise! Submit photos and stories of how you planted, protected or honored trees in your community. Your projects can help inspire members council wide. GSMISTS will share your story through social media.

Throughout the entirety of the Girl Scout Tree Promise, Girl Scouts also have the opportunity to share special trees in their communities. GSMISTS will periodically share story and photo submissions to highlight GSTP progress and honor trees from across the council.

Email girlexperience@gsmists.org with your story to be featured.

Additional Resources

Partner with Us: We’re always looking for more Program Partners to help us fulfil the Girl Scout Tree Promise. Do you have a stewardship opportunity you’d like to share with girls? We’d love to chat! Please contact girlexperience@gsmists.org to learn more.
Plan Your Own Event: Download the Girl Scout Tree Promise Program Toolkit (PDF). This toolkit includes patch activities that Girl Scout troop leaders and councils, community partners, and families can use to encourage girls’ interest in tree planting, climate change, and biodiversity.

If planning your own event, please submit the Tree Promise Media Release to girlexperience@gsmists.org
Spread the Word
SciStarter: From forest diversity to invasive species, support a citizen science project with your Girl Scout Tree Promise. https://scistarter.org/girlscouts-trees
Trees Near You for Purchase: Find seedlings and trees available for purchase near you.

Find Trees