Fundraiser - Recycling Center in Morgan Mill, TX

I am conducting a fundraiser to implement a recycling center in Morgan Mill, Texas.  Please check it out and help me spread the word!

The Benefits of Trees

I just returned from a trip to Bastrop State Park.  As part of the ISF Texas Community Crew, I had the opportunity to participate in the restoration efforts going on in Bastrop.  Our group, along with several others, spent the day planting trees.  As we worked, it was hard to visualize the lush, beautiful forest that had once stood there.  It was sad to look at the burned remains but I was also happy seeing that so many people wanted to give their time to help restore it. 

The fire that swept through Bastrop in September of 2011, didn't just destroy the beauty of the park.  The trees that were lost provided much more than aesthetics.  But what benefits do trees provide?

• Cleans the air.  Trees absorb odors and other harmful pollutants.
•  Provides oxygen.  Yes...that stuff we breathe to stay alive comes from trees.  So why is man still destroying forests for the "sake of progress"?
• "One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen.  This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people."- U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Saves water and helps prevent water pollution and soil erosion.  By capturing large amounts of rainwater in its leaves, bark and roots, trees return water back into the groundwater supplies.  In addition, the leaves and bark acts to filter some of the pollutants from the run-off water, thus, improving the water quality that returns to the streams, lakes and oceans.
• "The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion.  This allows more recharging of the groundwater supply.  Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams." - USDA Forest Service
• Provides a habitat and food for wildlife.
• Saves energy.  Trees provide shading and act as a shield from cold winds that can reduce summer cooling needs by up to 50% and reduce winter heating costs.
• "The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day."- U.S. Department of Agriculture

 Trees provide many benefits for the environment and all the creatures therein.  It is important to maintain and defend our trees and to plant and care for new ones.  We rely on trees for our survival!

Happy New Year!!

Well the new year is here and for many people it is the time of year when they make resolutions of things they want to accomplish in the upcoming months.  While the majority of resolutions fall by the wayside, some are actually achieved.  Either way, I think it is fun and challenging to set goals and gather ideas for the future.

That said, I thought I would share a few of my resolutions.

1.  Do more volunteer work.  I hope to get more involved this year and help local organizations that I am passionate about.  I am planning some kind of project for my birthday in March!

2.  Clean out my closet and storage room.  This is a task that I am not looking forward to but I hope to finally get it done at some point this year!  Lots of good stuff to donate, I'm sure!

3.  Start a savings plan.  I know for some this is automatic but I admit - I am a spender and I am really trying to cut back on frivolous purchases and non-essentials.

4.  Attend the Vampire Diaries Convention in Dallas and Eyecon in Atlanta.  Ok, not all resolutions are life-changing and serious....you gotta have a little fun!

I guess in all honesty I should put the "quit smoking" resolution on the list.  It seems to show up every year.  This year my goal is to cut back and work toward quitting.  We'll see.

I would like to know what some of your resolutions are for the year.  Please feel free to share your goals, dreams and hopes for 2014.

Finally, I would like to wish each and every one of you a happy new year.  I hope 2014 is the best year ever for each of us!

Kim Johnston