Tree Planting Program. In early 2020 with my non profit, REAP. I coordinated tree plantings across Georgia. We acquired 20,000 native trees. The trees were distributed in communities where secure land would allow the trees to grow for many years. The concept was to offer people something tangible they could do that would make a positive impact in there immediate area. The trees were made available free of charge. The idea was to offer ideas on how to regenerate land as a way of learning how to become better caretakers of the planet. I had originally did this thirty years ago for the 20th anniversary of Earth Day in 1990. Back then we organized and planted close to 17,000 trees. That program was very successful because of all the enthusiasm around Earth Day in 1990. In 2020 I choose to make it an even 20,000 trees. We worked with foresters, city arborists, the DNR, county extension agents, environmental non profits, a few church groups. Many colleges got involved and utilized students to plant the trees. The trees were a mix of mostly hardwoods and a few evergreens. We donated a thousand longleaf pines to wildlife biologists that are working on bringing back endangered species in Longleaf pine habitats. In hindsight I wish I would have acquired more longleaf pines to donate to such a worthy cause. The trees were seedlings ranging from 1 foot tall to six foot tall. They are trees for the future, for our grandchildren. When I did this program in 1990, I went into many schools to plant trees with children. I would tell the 4th and 5th graders that they could come back in 30 years with their children and tell them that they planted that tree when they were in the fourth grade. Now that that concept has reached fruition, I thought it was time to do it again. Reforestation and regenerating a forest is done in several phases. First planting the taller trees that will become the upper canopy along with staggered plantings of smaller trees that are the understory. Next introduce native grasses, broadleaf plants, legumes and wildflowers that will cover the floor. Some habitat trees like serviceberry, mulberry, quince, etc, also contribute to habitat restoration. Some of this needs to be replanted as needed to fill in empty spots and for a healthy succession. Once the growth becomes established it would be useful to introduce mushrooms to encourage a healthy mycology in the soil. Most important is to check all erosion. Regenerating a piece of land is incredibly rewarding and helps you connect with the earth in a way that is very fulfilling. Regenerating land is a way of regenerating ourselves and helps us to become whole.
