Claude Albritton

Trees Increase Use of Parks

Recent hurricanes have taken a toll on the trees of Lake Charles' city parks. Not only was there a loss of forest canopy, but fewer people were using the parks. As part of the city's recovery effort, ReTREE LC, a local nonprofit group, received a U.S. Forest Service grant through the Louisiana Office of Forestry to plant trees throughout the city.

That's when 16-year old Claude Albritton, an Eagle Scout who dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, first heard about the project. He volunteered to help.

"This was an opportunity for me, because I love to help out the environment in any way I can," said Claude. Claude was one of several Boy Scouts invited to meet with city officials. At the meeting, the boys were given the responsibility to plan, organize and plant trees in city parks.

"We formed a plan and then came together to discuss how we would pull it off," recalls Claude. "I choose two parks and planted a total of 43 trees."

Since the planting, the trees have thrived and people have noticed. This has made an impression on Claude. "After the project was completed, I got so many comments telling me that they loved the trees," said Claude. "I also noticed more families and kids using the parks. I thought it was amazing."

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