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Mission Statement
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Guy Miller
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Tanzania Pictures
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"ReTree International is a nonprofit organization that has three objectives: To plant trees on idle lands wherever they will grow throughout the world; to involve people, especially young people, in this effort, and at the same time, educate them regarding the importance of trees and forests to the well being of the planet and ourselves; and to support forestry research."
“Nothing can take the place of getting down on your knees in the earth next to a child to help her or him put a tiny seedling in a hole you have dug.” - Frank Lockyear, founder and past president of ReTree International.
Oregon governor McKay (center) at Owl Camp in the Tillamook Forest promoting reforestation efforts in the Tillamook Burn area, July 18, 1949. More pictures from ReTree's archives here .
Trees For Tanzania
Tree Planting with Africa Bridge
The 4th annual Trees for Tanzania tree plant is in the books. During the last week of January, over 7,500 seedlings were planted or distributed to villagers in SW Tanzania. ReTree Board Member Ed Buursma and his son Zach made the long trip to Tukuyu, in the Rungwe District, to team up with local officials and schoolchildren to plant trees. After three years of planting in Isongole Ward, we planted for the first time in Masoko Ward. Last year, our partner, Africa Bridge announced its plans to move into nearby Masoko to establish programs similar to those in Isongole, where their work originally began. ReTree was again asked to come along and assist in setting up more tree plants and to help establish environmental education opportunities.
We planted for four days in Masoko and then one day in Isongole. The 7,500 seedlings grown at ReTree-sponsored nurseries in Isongole and Tukuyu were divided evenly between the two wards. We visited a total of 10 villages with 10 schools and participated in the planting of about half the seedlings. The rest were distributed to villagers and schoolchildren for later planting. Rungwe District Forester Peter Chibwaye supervised the nursery operation and helped organize the plantings. ReTree will again be supporting the nursery and asking Peter to grow us some more trees in 2009 for next year's plant. Zach and Ed also got to visit planting sites from previous year's plantings and reported that the seedlings were doing well with a good overall survival rate.
Many thanks again to our other partner, the Wildlife Conservation Society, an international conservation organization that runs the Southern Highlands Conservation Program. For four years now our groups have maintained a cooperative venture in growing seedlings. WCS also has a tree planting program established and works with Peter in growing the seedlings. Click here to read more about past Trees for Tanzania Project work and Tanzania Pictures to see pictures from the project area and the 2009 tree plant.
Fort Clatsop Tree Plant
ReTree and the staff at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park will be working together again in the fall of 2009 on a Centennial Challenge planting event in the Fort Clatsop area. This will be the latest in a series of youth tree planting projects at the park since 2004. Our last event was in May of 2008 in a tree planting project with local schoolchildren. Read about it in an article in the Daily Astorian newspaper. These tree plants have taken place in areas recently acquired by the park and in other areas where the native ecosystem is being restored.
Mexico Tree Plant
ReTree's Tony Sandoval (l) helps unload seedlings in San Blas
ReTree has been involved in tree planting in Nayarit state since 2004. Several tree plants have taken place in the San Blas area. ReTree's Tony Sandoval has been travelling back and forth between Oregon and Mexico on behalf of both ReTree and the Lion's Club helping organize the next tree plant as well as the eyeglass program the Lion's are sponsoring. Since ReTree's first planting, local citizens have taken the initiative and begun conducting "mini tree plants" around the area. It's been announced that state nurseries will provide free seedlings to anyone who has a project. So far results have been promising. Read more about this project at Mexico Tree Plant.
Upcoming Events:
-2008-9 Guy Miller Tree Planting Program
-Mexico Tree Plant
Read about ReTree's efforts in Nayarit state as we plan for the 2009 plants.
Recent Events:
-Trees for Tanzania Tree Plant, January, 2008
-Annual Josephine County Tree Plant
This year's 20th anniversary edition took place in the Grants Pass area in February and included a look back at all the work that's been done. Past tree planters were invited back to join in the anniversary celebration and this year's planting efforts.
"When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope. We also secure the future for our children. I call on those around the world to celebrate by planting a tree wherever you are."
Dr. Wangary Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
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