American Forests reaches out to California

A nonprofit group awarded nearly $3 million to plant trees in California announced today it was launching a fund to double that amount to reforest fire-scarred areas of the state.

American Forests, the nation’s oldest nonprofit conservation group, was awarded $2.8 million for tree planting earlier this year as part of the $10 million settlement of a lawsuit between ConocoPhillips and the state of California. The nonprofit also announced it is forming a task force to determine where to plant the trees and the best species to locate there.

“Our hearts go out to all those in California who have lost so much in these fires,” Executive Director Deborah Gangloff said. “As soon as assessments have been done and planting can proceed, we are ready to help the state begin the healing process. And that process begins with trees.”

American Forests’ Global ReLeaf program has planted more than 27 million trees in the U.S. and around the world. Of those, more than 800,000 have been planted in California since 1991, with more than 500,000 planted to reforest wildfire-stricken areas. Each $1 donation plants 1 tree.

“Our California Wildfire ReLeaf Fund is now accepting money to match the $2.8 million we were awarded in the Conoco-Phillips settlement. We appreciate the trust that has been placed in us and are eager to begin the process of healing the land with trees,” Gangloff said.

Those wishing to donate to American Forests’ California Wildfire ReLeaf Fund can do so by clicking on http://www.americanforests.org/planttrees/af_info.php?campaign=cawildfire
by calling 800/545-8733
or by writing PO Box 2000 Washington, DC 20013.

American Forests’ mission is to grow a healthier world with trees. Through community-based initiatives we help people understand the many values of trees and restore forest ecosystems in urban and rural areas. Our work encompasses tree planting, urban forestry, environmental education, and community-based forestry.