The project will be replanting trees for Fairfax Re-Leaf at the I-395/Shirlington and I-395/King Street Exits. Note that these two sites were originally planted 3 years ago by two Troop 111 Eagle Scouts, with about 120 trees each. The Shirlington site lost about a third of its original planting, while the King Street site lost over half of its original planting. (That summer was the the summer of the terrible drought, so we actually did quite well, considering.

We will be receiving 150 new seedlings from Fairfax Re-Leaf. We should also be receiving 100 new stakes and 100 new "tree tubes" - those thin off-white tubes you see alongside most of the interstates and major roads in the Washington area. We'll make up the shortfall in stakes and tubes by recovering those from the dead seedlings on-site.

Note that all Scouts will need to wear work gloves, BOOTS!, and sturdy clothing for this project. The two areas are both knee-high grass, so use of insect repellent is a must! - as are post-work "tick-checks" when everyone gets home. For the record, note that neither area has any deer in residence, but better safe than stupid.

Please bring: (A) a GOOD shovel OR (B) a sturdy mallet-type sledgehammer for driving stakes OR (C) a pickaxe, your choice. All attendees should bring water and some snacks (or if you prefer, lunch), in a well-marked paper or plastic bag.

One Crew will go over and spend about an hour collecting mulch from the Arlington County pile over on 26^th Street, while the other two will head directly to the site and start digging out the dead trees, recovering tubes and stakes, and digging new holes for additional trees. If we work hard and well-coordinated, we can be done fairly quickly, maybe as early as 10:30 or 11am. If not, well then we'll be there for The Whole Monty.

I need transportation for this event, so all Advisors should plan on using their largest seating capacity vehicles.

This event is "weather or not." THERE IS NO SPECIAL PERMISSION SLIP FOR THIS EVENT; THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR THIS EVENT!

Brad J. and Dennis K. have dispensations for this activity, since they're running the O/A Ordeal this same weekend. Charles B., David M., Matt M., and Clark T. are all planning on attending the Ordeal, but will be released by the O/A on Saturday night (same time as the LDS Scouts) in order to be able to make the project; their respective parents will need to coordinate their sons' pickup (1 large vehicle/1 parent heading down to Fredericksburg ought to suffice for all four Scouts!) Michael R. *may* need to leave early Sunday for a Gonzaga function. I have heard from no-one else, so everyone else is expected to attend. Scouts needing to attend Mass or Services should plan on doing so Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon.

2) Also at the Service Project - I will be handing out xerox copies of each Crews' itineraries (1 copy for each Crew member.) I will also be handing out the new 2000 Philmont Guide Booklets, for those who did not receive it at yesterday's Adult Leader Training Session. I may also be handing out other items, TBA; we'll see....

3) Adult Advisor's Meeting - There were some interesting fares listed in today's Travel section, but my two primary discounters are not open on Sunday, so I can't check until tomorrow morning. However, as noted in the last Newsletter, we will have to buy within two weeks regardless of price. Keep your fingers crossed.

4) I have seen no-one doing any roadwork, and only Charles B. has indicated he's practicing - I sincerely hope you are doing some serious backpacking, hiking or biking. I also hope (as a result of lessons being learned during your backpacking practice) that you are also continuing to work hard to minimize the weight of your kit! Remember, we selected Treks 24, 30 and 32 - all three among the toughest treks on the Ranch (especially if we augment them as planned.)

Parents, please share and discuss this newsletter with your sons. Scouts, please share and discuss this newsletter with your parents. Two months to go!

- Dr. Bob

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1 May 2000