Mission Statement History Guy Miller Sponsors Accomplishments Links Board Members Tanzania Pictures How Can I Help?

"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 . Volunteers Wanted Have you ever wanted to get involved with a non-profit organization? A non-profit that works with kids and plants trees both locally and internationally? ReTree International is looking for some energetic volunteers to be part of our organization. We are in the business of planting trees and involving youth in these efforts. Not only is tree planting beneficial to our planet but it’s the type of project that is almost universally supported, particularly when children are involved. ReTree aims to involve children in all of our projects. Currently our board is simply too small to handle all the opportunities that come our way. We are actively engaged in many projects in the Pacific NW. We are also involved in successful and ongoing programs in Mexico and Tanzania. Opportunities abound for projects all over the world. New board members could work on our existing projects or develop new ones by working with schools, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and other youth groups. Funding is often available by applying for grants or working with groups that provide donations for this type of project. Working as a volunteer doesn’t come with a paycheck but if you value our trees and forests and recognize their vital role in keeping our planet healthy, and you understand the importance of teaching the next generation of forest stewards these values, then being a part of an organization like ReTree can be a very rewarding experience. The amount of time needed depends on how much time you want to contribute to this effort and how much time your schedule allows. Contact us by e-mail (above) with your interest. We look forward to hearing from those of you that want to help us plant trees. 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. 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. -Josephine County Tree Plant The 2010 dates are set- February 4, 5, and 6 in the Grant's Pass area. Ross Roe will once again be leading local schoolchildren in the 21st annual planting project. Recent Events: -Trees for Tanzania Tree Plant, January, 2009 "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 How Can I Help?

Mission Statement | Upcoming Events | Sponsors | Accomplishments | Links | Board Members | How Can I Help?