No matter how dire environmental conservation and the may future look, there are always stories worth giving thanks over. This is one of them:
Seven New Global ReLeaf Restoration Projects Announced
Strong public and business support opens more projects for ‘green gift giving’
Washington, DC (Nov. 25, 2009) – American Forests, the Washington, DC-based nonprofit, has announced the addition of seven projects to its global project inventory for 2009. Support has been so great for American Forests’ ecosystem restoration program Global ReLeaf, that the organization has taken on new projects in California, Colorado, Texas, Nicaragua, Honduras and Mexico. Along with those announced last spring, and those carried over from 2008 projects, these will bring the number of trees planted in 2009 up to 4.2 million.
Every dollar donated to the Global ReLeaf program results in the planting of a tree in an ecosystem restoration project. The newest projects (see descriptions below) will restore wildfire-burned sites in California, replant ponderosa pine lost to disease in Colorado, and protect scarce water resources at risk from deforestation in the Americas. Nearly half of the new trees will be planted in partnership with the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America.
“It is thanks to the generosity of our individual members, as well as our corporate partners, that we have been able to accomplish so much,” says Executive Director Deborah Gangloff. “And it is our trust in that generosity and spirit, especially powerful around the holidays, that we have the confidence to set new goals.”
Since the first Global ReLeaf forest planting 19 years ago to create habitat for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler in Michigan, well over 25 million trees have been planted, and the organization recently announced a goal to plant 100 million trees by the year 2020. Descriptions of most projects can be found online at www.americanforests.org. Scores of them have been the subject of articles in American Forests magazine, the organization’s flagship publication now marking its 115th year of publication.
Planting trees with American Forests on behalf of friends and loved ones is a unique and meaningful gift option this holiday season. With the many benefits that these trees bring to the environment and to communities, it is truly a gift that keeps giving. And at only $1 per tree, it’s one of the most cost effective green gifts available: www.americanforests.org.
American Forests will be accepting proposals for its first round of 2010 projects through January 15th.
New 2009 project summaries:
California
Duncan Canyon Restoration Project
American Forests is partnering with The Forest Foundation and volunteers from the Western States 100 Endurance Run to plant 4,000 trees in areas of Duncan Canyon in the Tahoe National Forest that have not recovered from the 2001 Star Fire.
Moonlight Fire Restoration Project
This project will plant 11,900 trees in an effort to restore and improve forest ecosystems affected by the 2007 Moonlight Fire. The planting will improve the Indian Creek and Lights Creek watersheds, and provide habitat for vulnerable species such as the White Spotted Owl.
Colorado
Vigil & Abeyta Mesa Reforestation
American Forests is partnering with The Forest Foundation and volunteers from the Western States 100 Endurance Run to plant 4,000 trees in areas of Duncan Canyon in the Tahoe National Forest that have not recovered from the 2001 Star Fire.
Texas
Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge Project
In the 13th phase of this long-term project, American Forests is partnering with the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge to plant 300,000 trees as part of the Refuge’s Farmland Phase-Out and Revegetation program. The project area encompasses four counties in one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America. The refuge supports over 490 species of birds alone.
Honduras
The Trinidad Conservation Project
This project will plant 35,000 trees in the Santa Barbara district of Honduras in order to purify and protect water sources there. The project is also intended to improve the quality of life for the hundreds of families that live in the region.
Mexico
Nevado de Toluca Water Factory
In partnership with Reforestamos Mexico, this project will plant 170,000 trees in the region surrounding the Nevado de Toluca Mountain, which provides water, climate regulation, and biodiversity for millions of Mexicans in the most densely populated area of the country. The project also includes fire protection and prevention activities, and maintenance of 250 hetacres of previously reforested land.
Nicaragua
Reforestation and Conservation In Nicaragua
American Forests is partnering with Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) to plant 78,000 trees in areas throughout Nicaragua to protect water sources, restore degraded areas, and improve wildlife habitat.
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American Forests’ mission is to grow a healthier world by working with communities to restore and maintain forest ecosystems. Our work includes planting trees, calculating the value of urban ecosystems, fostering environmental education, and giving national voice to community-based forest policy interests.
