These two partners—those who fund the work and those who plant trees—are how we bring about change for the planet and all living things on it. They have to be chosen carefully. Every Arbor Day Foundation partner and project goes through a rigorous review process to validate plans for site preparation, planting and care after the trees are in the ground.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Planting trees responsibly on a large scale always means asking questions – of ourselves and of our partners.
In reforestation projects, especially after a natural disaster, questions revolve around the natural ecosystem. Is replanting necessary? Or does the area recover naturally, which is sometimes better? Decisions about which trees to plant should start with native and endemic species, historical forest composition, and expected climate changes. In collaboration with our planting partners, we take a 360 degree view of the situation to act at the right moment.
The needs of unique plants and animals that live in the forest also play a role. What are the habitat needs of wildlife in the area, particularly threatened and endangered species? How will this project address these needs?
Also crucial when planning a reforestation project is how tree planting supports the health of watersheds. In other words, will this project support a healthy forest that purifies drinking water supplies and stabilizes soils?
Finally, how will the project affect people? There are a number of complex conversations about how a project will impact nearby communities and how the planting partner can develop the details (tree species, care education) around the needs of the community.
When planting trees together, the first question that always arises is how much you need. Some neighborhoods lost trees in natural disasters like hurricanes. Some have struggled with decades of unequal investment in green infrastructure.
www.ecosystemmarketplace.com
https://www.ecosystemmarketplace.com/articles/why-the-world-needs-millions-of-trees-and-how-to-plant-them-right/