In LA class, we’ve been learning about trees. We read ‘The True Story of Smokey Bear’, and I’ll try to summarize it for you now. Smokey Bear was a bear cub living in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. During May, it was very hot, and the forest started to reflect that. One careless camper forgot to douse his campfire, or didn’t crush his cigarette. However it happened, this one little spark birthed by one foolish person started a raging wildfire that took five days to put out and harmed many animals and land. A team of firefighters found a terrified, burnt bear cub clinging to a scorched tree. Smokey was rescued and healed. He became a sign for forest fire prevention, and the rest is history!

Now for some fascinating facts about trees. Trees may seem to some like ordinary everyday sights, but they’re extremely interesting, and important for ecosystems.

1. There are over 60,000 known tree species on Earth
2. Some tree roots can grow above ground
3. Trees can lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade
4. The tallest tree in the USA is 369 feet tall
5. One tree produces about 260 pounds of oxygen a year
6. Strategically placed trees can reduce air conditioning needs by 30%
7. Some trees can increase property value by 14%
8. Approximately one third of the USA is covered by forests
9. One tree can absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide in its life
10.  Trees can be worth $10,000

(Sources: treehugger.com, www.arborday.org, savatree.com)

Below is a poster/drawing thing I made about preventing forest fires. It’s a bit messy, but yeah.