Albany Cub Scouts plant trees at Centennial Park to replace those damaged by vandalism

After trees were vandalised at Centennial Park, cubs from the Albany Scout Group stepped up to help their community, replanting trees for future generations to enjoy. City works reserve manager Jacqui Freeman said that it was good timing. “We thought this would be a good opportunity for the cubs to plant the trees,” she said. “We are going to put a plaque here so people know they are community trees and hopefully they will be protected from then on and we will have a bit of ownership over them.” Cub Scout leader Beverly Els thanked the City for the opportunity for the cubs to play a part in greening a public space. “It’s an opportunity for the cubs to give back to the community and make their mark in the area so when they get a little bit older they can say, I planted that tree and I made the area better,” she said. “At this stage, we are not rewarding the kids by saying you’ll get a badge out of this; we are saying, you help the community because you live in the community and you benefit from things in the community.” The cubs took to the planting enthusiastically, helped by the City’s works team. “It’s just to help the community and plant more trees for oxygen and for life,” Cub Scout Rachel Els said.