"How can I make a positive effect on the environment?" Gavin Buersken posed that question to himself a year ago. "I though the most straight forward answer was to plant trees." Since then, Buersken (a biology major with a focus on ecology at the University of Minnesota Duluth) has spoken with advisors and community members to help make his initial thought a reality.
A small forest near Stowe Elementary has become Buersken's target location. The area is not very diverse and the trees that currently make up the majority of the forest are not predicted to do well in the near future. Planting yellow birch, white cedar, sugar maples and others will provide the diversity and resiliency that the forest needs.
Another large part of Buersken's mission is to provide a space for students to learn. "Since I grew up with something like that, I really see the importance in outdoor education," says Buersken. The hope is to have volunteers from UMD and Stowe elementary help with the process of planting trees, which may begin as early as late-May.
Buersken is also aiming to make the project a long-term plan. Giving the students at Stowe the tools to survey the forest and collect data could ensure a future filled with healthy woods and hands-on education.
