Girl Scouts hosting tree giveaway

Girl Scout Troop 878 will conduct an environmental project to fulfill the requirements for the Bronze Award, the highest award that can be earned as a Junior Girl Scout.

The troop of eight girls, 10 and 11 years old, will conduct a tree giveaway at Waste Management's Open House and Earth Day Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Simi Valley Landfill.

The Scouts have prepared for this project by meeting with the county's expert on horticulture, learning about the care and planting of trees, determining which trees are best suited for the local community and climate, and earning the money to purchase them.

The girls earned project funds through the annual Girl Scout nut and cookie sales and by collecting recyclable trash from the community to turn in for cash. The troop acquired more than $700. Waste Management has matched this amount, and Performance Nursery has given the troop a discounted price on 140 trees.

The Scouts also submitted artwork and slogans to Waste Management for the Earth Day Festival. The artwork appears on the bill inserts and flyers that have gone out to the community.

Troop members are Dana Brough, Charlie Coons, Emma Haney, Jacquelin Maldoon, Kendra Ostrovsky, Cassia Smith, Sarah Wix, and Marissa.