# Plant for a Purpose

Part of the Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/soil-and-water-conservation/guide/index.md)

*7. Planting & Restoration*

> **7b.** Plant 100 trees, bushes, and/or vines for a good purpose.

This requirement is about purposeful planting, not just hitting a number. Your plants should solve a real problem or create a real benefit, such as stabilizing soil, shading a stream, building wildlife habitat, restoring native cover, or reducing erosion on a slope.

A good project starts with the site. Ask:

- What problem is this planting meant to fix?
- Which species fit this soil, moisture, and light?
- Who will care for the plants after they go in the ground?
- How will you know the project succeeded?

### Good purposes for planting

- stabilizing a bare slope or streambank
- creating a windbreak
- restoring native habitat
- improving shade and infiltration around a school, camp, or park
- helping a reforestation or community restoration effort

**Before You Plant** — Set the project up to survive, not just to happen

- [ ] Get landowner or manager approval.
- [ ] Confirm the species are suitable and not invasive.
- [ ] Match planting time to local season and rainfall.
- [ ] Plan for watering, mulch, protection, and follow-up care.

> **Safety First!**
>
> Use the right tools, lift carefully, and protect young plants from mower damage, trampling, or drought after planting. A rushed planting day can lead to poor survival if follow-up care is ignored.

Req 7c is similar in spirit but works at a larger area scale using grasses or legumes instead of woody plants.

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- Previous: [Desalination Plant](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/soil-and-water-conservation/guide/req7a9/index.md)
- Next: [Seed a Conservation Plot](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/soil-and-water-conservation/guide/req7c/index.md)