HILLSDALE, N.J.—The members of Daisy Troop 99133 may still be in kindergarten, but local officials say they have already made a lasting investment in their community.
To celebrate Earth Day, the troop joined borough leaders and members of the Hillsdale Environmental Commission to plant a new oak tree in town while participating in the national Girl Scout Tree Promise initiative.
The project also helped the girls earn their “Make the World a Better Place” Daisy Rose Petal, a Girl Scout recognition focused on community stewardship and caring for the environment.
The Hillsdale Environmental Commission helped select the planting location, while DiTomaso Landscape Group donated and planted the oak tree. The Hillsdale Department of Public Works agreed to help care for the tree through regular watering.
During the ceremony, the Daisies interviewed borough officials and Environmental Commission members about conservation efforts and environmental stewardship in Hillsdale. The girls also presented handwritten thank-you notes to community volunteers and officials who helped make the project possible.
“When they thrive, oak trees live for hundreds of years,” Environmental Commission Chair Fred Rubel told Pascack Press. “By planting this substantial oak tree as part of their celebration of Earth Day, Daisy Scouts Troop 99133 has made an investment in our collective future and contributed to a feature that makes Hillsdale a special place — our trees.”
Organizers said the troop also added the new planting to the national Girl Scout Tree Promise tracker, which documents conservation projects completed by Girl Scouts across the country.
Officials attending the event included Mayor Mike Sheinfield, councilmen Clemente Osso and John Ruocco, Environmental Commission Chair Fred Rubel and Borough Administrator Mike Ghassali.
Troop leaders said the project demonstrated that even the youngest residents can play a meaningful role in protecting and improving their community.
— Via Amelia Host
