Jalina Adams, a 16-year-old Youth Forest Council Intern, has been making significant strides in environmental conservation through her Community Action Project.
Motivated by her love for trees and a desire to learn, Jalina joined the Youth Forest Council to gain hands-on experience in tree planting and maintenance.
“I wanted to join YFC because of the experience and skills I would gain during my internship,” she explained.
During her time with the YFC, Jalina has gained valuable knowledge on best practices for tree planting, mulching, and pruning.
She learned the importance of safely using tools, preparing soil and fertilizer, and understanding how tree growth affects the environment.
Collaborating with organizations such as Keep Austin Beautiful and TreeFolks, Jalina actively participated in community tree planting efforts in Austin.
Her fascination with trees traces back to her childhood, where she was surrounded by various tree species in her backyard.
This deep-rooted passion drove her to take action, planting trees in areas that needed them and assisting neighbors with tree care.
In her Community Action Project, Jalina decided to experiment with growing small trees on her apartment balcony, aiming to nurture seeds into full-grown trees for eventual planting.
To kick off her project, she consulted with Vit Kaspar, the Seed Collection and Nursery Manager at TreeFolks.
With Vit’s guidance, Jalina selected three tree species that would thrive in her growing conditions: Bur Oak, Kidneywood, and Mexican Buckeye.
Vit provided her with valuable insights on how to maintain these seeds, including the right soil and fertilizer combinations to use in her grow pots and bags.
Jalina diligently planted her seeds in five-gallon pots and bags, with a clear plan for their growth and eventual transfer into larger containers.
Her timeline began on February 15, 2025, when she planted two Bur Oak seeds—one in a grow bag and the other in a grow pot—along with Kidneywood seedlings and a Mexican Buckeye seed.
As the days went on, she observed the seeds’ progress closely. By March 5, 2025, both Bur Oak seeds showed cracks at the bottom, indicating growth.
However, her Mexican Buckeye and Kidneywood seeds showed no signs of progress, prompting her to water them.
Realizing a mistake, Jalina followed Vit’s advice and switched the Mexican Buckeye seed to a damp paper towel in a plastic bag, placing it in direct sunlight for better germination.
By March 12, 2025, her efforts paid off as the Mexican Buckeye seed began to crack at the top and side, signaling a forthcoming sprout.
The Bur Oak seed also exhibited robust growth, with its roots extending significantly.
Over the following weeks, the seedlings continued to thrive, with the second Bur Oak seed showing a promising root base by April 10, 2025.
As of April 23, 2025, both Bur Oaks displayed healthy root development, ready to transition to larger pots as they grew.
Each of the three species Jalina is cultivating boasts unique characteristics and benefits.
The Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is known for its broad crown and massive trunk, common in the eastern United States and the Great Plains.
Bur Oak trees provide essential shade, habitat for wildlife, oxygen, and even materials for various products such as paper and instruments.
In contrast, the Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) reaches heights between 8 to 12 feet, with some individuals growing up to 30 feet tall.
This native tree is recognized for its beautiful pinkish-purple flowers in the spring and its ability to produce delicious honey.
Found mainly in Central, West, and South Texas, the Mexican Buckeye contributes to its ecosystem by providing food for pollinators and other wildlife.
Finally, the Kidneywood (Eysenhardtia texana) is part of the pea family and grows up to 10 feet tall.
Known for attracting bees and butterflies, Kidneywood also serves as a food source for deer and goats.
Jalina’s project not only showcases her dedication to environmental stewardship but also highlights the benefits of community engagement and collaboration.
By actively participating in tree planting and nurturing these seedlings, she contributes to building a greener future for her community.
Through her experience with the Youth Forest Council, Jalina has transformed her passion for trees into a tangible action that supports the environment.
As she continues to grow her project and the trees, she embodies the essence of youth leadership in environmental conservation.
This initiative has also demonstrated the importance of local organizations, like TreeFolks and Keep Austin Beautiful, in fostering community action and bridging connections among youth and their environments.
To learn more about trees and resources in Austin, visit the City of Austin’s Tree Information Center at www.austintexas.gov/trees.
Join the conversation and support local sustainability efforts by connecting with @NatureCityATX on social media.
image source from：https://www.austintexas.gov/blog/apartment-arborist
