Girl Scout Troop 14005 recently had the opportunity to dig into tree care and environmental stewardship — thanks to the City of Weston’s Director of Landscaping, Thad Bielecki, and team member, Patrick Clifford.

Last month, the duo met with the troop at Weston Regional Park, right near the park shelter that has served as the troop’s meeting place for more than four years. Their visit was part of the troop’s goal to earn their Trees Badge — and it turned into an inspiring and educational experience.

Thad and Patrick led the Scouts through an engaging session that covered everything from the anatomy of trees and seasonal tree care to the science behind logging and deforestation. The girls learned about the types of trees chosen for Weston's parks and throughout the City on public rights of way, how the City prepares its trees for hurricane season, and the role of prescribed burns in managing the Everglades ecosystem.

The team also introduced the Scouts to GIS (Geographic Information System) technology, a real-world tool used by the City to map, monitor, and maintain Weston’s green spaces. Learn more about the City's trees and the current tree inventory.

To cap off the day, Bielecki raffled off a rare, endangered orchid species — a meaningful and memorable gesture that reinforced the importance of protecting Florida’s native and at-risk plant life.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Mr. Bielecki and Patrick for taking the time to share their knowledge and passion,” said troop leader, Jennifer Storey. “They didn’t just help our girls earn a badge — they helped them understand the importance of caring for the environment and taking pride in the place they call home.”

The City of Weston is proud to support local youth programs and remains committed to environmental education and stewardship.