Why plant trees in a forest in need?

Planting trees in a forest of need will help heal and protect the land. You can help restore the forest to a beautiful, healthy place for animals and people to enjoy.

The Devastation of Forest Fires

Southern California’s massive wildfires in 2003 devastated more than 800,000 acres, including a total of nearly 450,000 acres in four National Forests.

The Hayman Fire in Colorado was one of the worst wildfires of 2002, burning nearly 138,000 acres in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest in Colorado.

These are only a few examples of thousands of intense wildfires that have burned in many of our nation’s forests over the past ten years.

Benefits of planting trees in these areas

• The roots of these young trees will help hold the soil in place, so it doesn’t wash away with heavy rains or melting snow.
• The seedlings will help keep ash from the fire from washing into rivers and streams, where it can harm fish and people.
• As they grow, the trees will provide homes and food for animals.
• Newly planted trees will keep the air fresh and clean.
• Planting trees today will help make the forest as beautiful as it was before the fire.
• Replanting trees will make hiking, camping, fishing and other fun activities in the forest more enjoyable.