Shading the lake

Local girl scouts have adopted Kyle’s newest park, Lake Kyle. Through the end of the month, Troop 1008 are hoping that businesses and community members will donate trees and shrubbery to plant. (Photo by Kim Hilsenbeck)

by KIM HILSENBECK

Lake Kyle on a Texas summer day is nice; it would be better with more trees.

Cadettes from Girl Scout Troop 1008 are working to change the near treeless landscape at the park on Lehman Road by planting 50-100 trees and shrubs. In the process, they will earn their Silver Award.

“There is not a lot of shade at the park,” said Brittany Ponder, one of the six girls on the project.

In addition, the girls say the shrubs and trees will add beauty and clear air.

Ponder said the group has received four shrubs and one tiny tree so far. They are calling local businesses such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, McCoy’s, H-E-B and Wal-Mart, e-mailing friends and talking to neighbors near Lake Kyle to ask for donations.

The girls are in contact with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department which has provided a list of approved trees and shrubbery. In addition, staff from the department will help the scouts plant the trees.

As part of their project, Ponder said the girls will have an informational plaque created for each species of tree, fulfilling the education portion of their Silver Award project which must be completed by the end of July.

To donate to the Lake Kyle Tree Project, contact troop leader Lori Redd at lredd97@yahoo.com.