Rev. Dr. Loretta Kuse
Dr. Hildegard Kuse

Kuse Family Museum and Nature Preserve Medford, Wisconsin 54451

             Youth groups and other volunteers often choose to help homebound people by raking their leaves.  The joy of giving time together on a crisp fall day is rewarding.  The assistance given to those who cannot rake leaves themselves is great.

            Much can be seen and learned while raking leaves.  These leaflets are written as brief meditations that can be used before going to rake leaves or while raking leaves under a tree.

            Kinds of trees in yards differ from one place to another.  These “leaflets” are only a beginning.  Use tree books to help you identify the kinds of trees in your town. Write meditations that match trees of the area in which you work and serve together.  Make a leaf collection or use  a digital camera to illustrate information about the trees in your neighborhood.  You may also talk with family members who can help you write the history of the special trees growing in your own yard or on your church or school property.  Observe a certain tree and write a journal about its life during an entire year.  If you are raking leaves for persons in your community, have them tell you what is special about the trees near their home.

            May God bless those who work together to help others!
           
            Meditations for the following trees are included.

Apple
Birch, White
Bitternut
Black, Walnut
Boxelder
Butternut
Cherry, Black
Hickory
Locust, Black
Locust, Honey
Maple, Red
Maple, Silver
Maple, Sugar
Mulberry, White
Oak, Red
Ohio Buckeye
Pine, White