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Plant a Memorial Tree for a Loved One Beyond United States’ National Forests

 

Mountain scene in a U.S. National Forest Colorado

The Gifted Tree has planted over 250,000 trees since 2013. These trees have been planted in memory of a loved one as well as to celebrate a happy milestone occasion such as a birthday or wedding. With over 80 planting project locations worldwide, many planting locations are in United States National Forests. Many of the planting projects in these national forests are to help reforest areas after fires have devastated a large swath of land.

One question I have received a lot is: “I want to plant my memorial tree in a National Forest, but not all of your projects are in National Forests.” To better understand the answer to this question, it is helpful to understand the history of the National Forest system. The United States national forest system began with the Forest Reserve Act of 1891. This act authorized the President, at that time, Benjamin Harrison, to set aside forested public lands for preservation and management. The first forest reserve, the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve, was established in 1891, and the United States Forest Service was created in 1905. As is explained on its website, the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the nation’s foremost federal forestry organization. The agency is a world leader in forest research, providing leadership in the sustainable management, conservation, use, and stewardship of natural and cultural resources on national forests and grasslands in the United States.

If you happen to look at a map of the locations of the National Forests in this country, and there are 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, the majority are concentrated in our great West. Why is that? The Eastern United States has relatively few national forests compared to the West primarily because most eastern forestland was already privately owned by the time national forests were established. In the western states, many western national forests were created from land already owned by the U.S. government, making it easier and less expensive to establish them. In the East, unlike in the West, the federal government had to purchase land to create national forests.

Plant a memorial tree in a U.S. National Forest.

The Weeks Law of 1911, also know as the Forest Purchase Act and named after John Weeks , a Massachusetts Congressman, authorized the federal government to acquire land for national forests, specifically to protect watersheds of navigable streams. It paved the way for the establishment of national forests in the East by allowing the government to purchase land from private landowners. It has been one of the most successful pieces of conservation legislation in U.S. history. To date, nearly 20 million acres of forestland have been protected by the Weeks Act, land that provides habitat for hundreds of plants and animals, recreation space for millions of visitors, and economic opportunities for countless local communities. As one historian has noted, “No single law has been more important in the return of the forests to the eastern United States” than the Weeks Act.  The Weeks Act significantly expanded the national forest system, particularly east of the Mississippi River, where many new forests were established.  But there were far fewer opportunities for these acquisitions in the East. Eastern states generally had less public domain land compared to western states, which further limited the opportunity for creating national forests on land already owned by the government.

With the Weeks Act in place, and the subsequent founding of the United States Forest Service,  a framework was established for federal, state, and private cooperation in forest and forest fire management. Over time, much was learned about forest fire management including if the fires are not too severe, areas can regenerate on its own. In fact, in fire-adapted ecosystems, fire has historically played an integral role in shaping and maintaining the landscape. As a result, many native plants and animal species have developed unique strategies to withstand blazes. One Tree Planted in a recent blog, describes some of the ways that trees and nature have adapted  to fires in order to regenerate. Fire is a natural and necessary part of the life cycle of these forests and over thousands of years, many species of trees and ground vegetation have developed adaptations to fire where it occurs naturally. If a fire is too severe for natural regeneration, and of course in reforestation situations that don’t involve forest fires, tree planting management focuses on healthy establishment and long-term success.

Need to reforest after fires devastate a U.S. National Forest.

One important factor to keep in mind is that tree planting projects in the East have the same goals as those in the west that take place in National Forests. Even though your memorial or celebration tree might not be planted in a National Forest, it is planted in a State Forest or other public (and occasionally private) land, all with these same goals:

·        Speed recovery in areas where natural regeneration is not enough to restore past tree loss.

·        Planting species of trees indigenous to the area which can provide qualities such as fire resistance and and the ability to withstand the effects of climate change.

·        Planting in areas that help stabilize the soil and help prevent future landslides.

·        Help restore habitat for animals and insects that depend on these trees.

·        Help mitigate the effects of climate change by providing carbon sequestration.

·        Help restore the natural balance of forest ecosystems, including biodiversity.

·        Help prevent runoff which helps reduce water pollution and improve water quality.

Keep in mind while planting a tree in memory of a loved one, planting in a National Forest isn’t always possible. But, our planting projects still provide the same great results and benefits no matter where planted, in United States National Forests and beyond. If you need help planting a memorial or celebration tree, contact us through this link or call, 800-984-2101 and talk to a real person.

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Planting Trees and Sustainability

Individual planting a pine tree in the forest

As Earth Month winds down, and Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations are complete, a lot has been written about the benefits of tree plantings and sustainability. We get a lot of frequently asked questions at The Gifted Tree, and one I will try to answer in this blog: How does planting trees achieve sustainability goals?

Before I delve into the answer, let me summarize how trees and the planting of trees help benefit the environment in general.

Planting Trees can help sustainability

How Trees Benefit The Environment

Improve Air Quality and Carbon Sequestration

Trees reduce air pollution and help to purify the air by absorbing carbon and other pollutants. Trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Trees absorb a lot of air pollutants which are released into the air by automobiles and industrial facilities. The more mature the tree, the more pollutants absorbed. By filtering pollutants, trees improve air quality and reduce respiratory problems in humans and animals.

Benefit Wildlife

Trees provide essential habitats for a wide range of wildlife, and other understory trees and plants, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Provide Economic Benefits

Trees can increase property values, improve the tax base, and enhance neighborhood appeal by making streetscapes more pleasant. Surveys show that consumers prefer to shop and live where there are an abundance of trees, and thus, trees can also have a positive impact on the price and desirability of homes. Property values for unimproved lots usually rise based on the amount and density of tree cover.

Reduce Energy Use and Costs

Trees can reduce heating and cooling costs and counteract the “heat island” effect in urban environments by providing shade and windbreaks. Urban areas with little vegetation can experience temperatures of up to seven degrees higher than those with tree coverings. Thus, properly planted trees can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce overall power demand.

Help Improve Water Quality

Trees help anchor soil and reduce storm water runoff. Their roots help bind soil thereby preventing erosion and landslides. Reducing runoff also decreases topsoil erosion and the amount of silt and other pollutants washed into streams, rivers, and lakes. Trees can intercept rainwater, reduce runoff, and improve water infiltration into the soil, which helps recharge groundwater supplies.

Mental Health Benefits

Forests and other areas rich with tree coverage provide recreational opportunities. Being out in nature improves people’s mood and general well being.

A chart showing the United Nation's Sustainability Development Goals

Icons – United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals

Sustainability Goals and How Planting Trees Help Reach Those Goals

In 2017, the United Nations established a  a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to help businesses and governments build a more equitable and sustainable world. The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a plan to create a better and more sustainable future for all.  They represent key benchmarks to addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change.  The planting of trees, and reforestation in general, help to get us closer to reaching each one of those 17 goals. This blog will touch on and explain the first five of the 17 goals. A future blog will explain the remaining 12 goals. For more detailed explanation of these goals, please visit the United Nations site.

1. No Poverty

Goal #1 recognizes that poverty is a multi-dimensional issue, with factors ranging from unemployment to social exclusion, vulnerability to natural disasters, susceptibility to disease, and more. Most of the world’s population that live in poverty depend almost entirely on productive land for their livelihoods. Reforestation can improve human lives by providing short and long-term employment, increasing the land’s ability to produce food and building materials over time, and protecting infrastructure from extreme weather events. Any efforts to reduce poverty need to include the planting of trees to  build up healthy, well-managed forests, watersheds, and soils.

2. Zero Hunger

While the number of undernourished people worldwide has dropped significantly in the past several decades, still a significant number of the world’s population go to bed hungry every night, and remain a huge barrier to advancing developing countries. Working with experts, the planting of trees can provide nutritious food for everyone, generate sustainable income, support rural development, and protect the environment. Investments in agriculture are crucial to increasing productivity and supporting the sustainable food systems necessary to alleviate hunger. Restoring degraded forests by planting trees in agricultural areas can address hunger by improving economic well-being and protect the livelihoods of farmers in developing nations. Additionally, when sustainable agroforestry is incorporated into larger tree planting projects, they can help to protect new plantings and native forests from over-harvesting and extraction that can occur when people are dependent on forest resources for survival.

3. Good Health and Well-Being

Good health is essential to sustainable development and advancement of mankind. Much progress has been made in this area, but it is uneven and there is a wide gap among countries. Planting trees can improve health in humans by providing sustainable, high quality supplies of food and water over time, modulating temperatures, absorbing rainwater during storm events, providing a buffer against powerful storm systems, and reducing the incidence and transmission of diseases. One overlooked benefit provided by trees is its medicinal benefits in many cultures as well as improving mental health by spending time amongst the trees and just being in the forest.

4. Quality Education

Receiving a quality education is one of the most powerful and proven vehicles for sustainable development and advancement. Providing agroforestry education is one of the overlooked benefits in many of The Gifted Trees tree planting projects. In addition to planting trees in underserved areas of the world, there is an educational component, teaching communities techniques to create living fences and alley crops that will protect their lands and increase soil fertility and crop yields, reduce erosion, and improve water infiltration. In addition to providing jobs and restoring landscapes, many of our partners educate communities about sustainable agroforestry, land use practices, site monitoring, and micro-economics. We have seen that planting trees and maintaining them directly promotes education by increasing incomes and reducing the time spent securing basic necessities such as food and fuelwood. This gives parents more time and money to educate their children, and exposes them to opportunities they may not otherwise have had access to. Most of these individuals have no knowledge of proper land management techniques, but this training will be a significant factor in the fight against deforestation.

5. Gender Equity

This goal is related to the last goal. It is vital to understand that in many parts of the world, especially developing countries, the brunt of the family work falls on the women. Women take care of the children and cook all the meals. They don’t have access to stoves and ovens so they have to build fires to cook. These fires are fueled by collecting wood but with a shrinkage in sources, women can spend hours a day to travel by foot to collect this wood so that they are able to cook. Planting trees can increase gender equity and empower women by increasing their access to quality nutrition and other essentials of life. Planting trees to restore local landscapes can increase incomes by growing productive and sustainable agricultural crops.

We will explore more of the Sustainable Development Goals in future blogs, but in the meantime, you can be part of the solution by planting trees. The Gifted Tree works with non-profits around the world to plant memorial and celebration trees in order to achieve these goals. .

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How Do Trees Benefit Wildlife: A Great Partnership

Trees benefit aquatic habitat

We get a number of repeat questions at The Gifted Tree as many of our customers are curious about the benefits of trees. One of those frequently asked questions is: How do trees benefit wildlife?

Many of us are aware that trees provide numerous important benefits to humans as well as enhance the beauty and character of the local landscape. These benefits to people include:

Air Quality – Trees reduce air pollution and help to purify the air by absorbing carbon and other pollutants. A mature tree absorbs between 120-240 pounds per year of small particles and gases.

Economic Benefits – Trees can increase property values, improve the tax base, and enhance neighborhood appeal by making streetscapes more pleasant. Commercial areas with trees generally enjoy higher occupancy and rental/lease rates than properties without such landscaping. Trees can also have a positive impact on the price and desirability of homes. Property values for unimproved lots can rise as much as 30 percent based on the amount and density of tree cover.

Energy Benefits – Trees can reduce heating and cooling costs by cooling down the communities in which we live. Urban areas with little vegetation can experience temperatures of up to seven degrees higher than those with tree coverings.

These are just several of the benefits that trees provide to humans, and we will elaborate on them further in future blogs. But trees are just as beneficial to wildlife as they are to humans. Trees are vital for wildlife, providing essential resources like food, shelter, and breeding grounds, as well as contributing to healthy ecosystems by stabilizing soil and water. I will elaborate on each of these …

Trees provide protection to two owls

Trees’ Benefits to Wildlife

Food – Trees provide important food sources to animals:

–Fruits, nuts, seeds, and leaves: Many animals rely on trees for sustenance, with species like squirrels, birds, and bears utilizing fruits, nuts, and seeds as a primary food source.

-Sap and bark: Insects and other animals may feed on the sap and bark of trees.

-Insects and other invertebrates: Trees provide habitat for insects and other invertebrates, which in turn serve as food for larger animals.

Shelter and Habitat – Trees are also essential in providing protection to animals:

·        Nesting and breeding sites:

Trees offer safe and secure locations for birds, squirrels, and other animals to build nests and raise their young.

·        Protection from predators:

Trees provide cover and concealment, allowing animals to escape predators and find refuge.

·        Temperature regulation:

Tree canopies provide shade, helping to regulate temperatures and create cooler microclimates for wildlife.

·        Aquatic habitats:

Trees along riverbanks and streams help stabilize shorelines, preventing erosion and creating habitats for fish and other aquatic animals.

Trees provide fruits, nuts and seeds that birds rely on for sustenance

In Summary -Trees contribute to overall biodiversity by providing habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. A greater diversity of trees means a greater diversity of wildlife. They provide diverse habitats that support the interconnectedness of ecosystems and promote resilience. Trees create a variety of habitats, from the ground level to the canopy, supporting diverse plant and animal life. Trees play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by improving air and water quality, regulating climate, and preventing soil erosion. A diverse mix of tree species in an area can increase the resilience of ecosystems to environmental changes, such as pests, diseases, and climate fluctuations. As an example, Eastern white cedars provide cover for small birds, while white oaks produce acorns for birds and mammals to eat, demonstrating how different tree species contribute to the needs of various wildlife. And finally, increasing tree diversity in urban areas supports wildlife, which is crucial in urban ecosystems where food and habitat are often scarce.

A forest is more than a collection of trees. It is a complex ecosystem of diverse plants and animals. And this interconnected relationship of all forest species ensures the whole forest thrives—from soil to canopy. The Gifted Tree helps individuals and businesses make a lasting impact and help our forests thrive by planting trees in memory or celebration of special moments. The company has planted over 250,000 trees as it works with non-profit planting partners around the world who know what species to plant, when best to plant, and even monitor its care after planting. Not only are trees and wildlife a great partnership, but working with The Gifted Tree is a great partnership as well as our numerous positive testimonials prove. With planting locations in over 40 countries and unique tribute cards to commemorate your gift, The Gifted Tree makes it easy to honor loved ones and connect with the earth in meaningful ways, and provide a gift to your friends, the forest animals, to boot.

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Plant a Tree in U.S. National Forest – MN

 

Sunset over lake in Chippewa National Forest Minnesota

As discussed in our last blog detailing planting a memorial or celebration tree in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona, planting a tree in a national forest in the United States or elsewhere around the world has become quite popular. Besides being a gift to a grieving family member or friend, or to celebrate a milestone event, these tree plantings are also a gift to the earth. The benefits range from helping reforest an area decimated by forest fire to aiding in the water quality of nearby rivers and lakes.  The Gifted Tree has planting projects in many U.S. national forests, and this blog will focus on the project in Chippewa National Forest, a forest comprising almost 700,000 acres in north central Minnesota.

Entrance to Chippewa National Forest Minnesota sign

Plant a Tree in Chippewa National Forest – Objectives

Chippewa National Forest was established in 1902. It was named in honor of the Chippewa tribe of Native Americans from whose land the forest was created. Approximately 44% of the Forest’s land is within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. Water is abundant in Chippewa National Forest, with over 1,300 lakes, 923 miles of rivers and streams and 400,000 acres of wetlands. The Forest has more lakes and wetlands than any other National Forest in the nation, boasting approximately 13% of all surface water within the entire National Forest system.

As a consequence of logging activity, forests in this part of the state have become less complex over time and resulted in a not so favorable mix of tree species resulting in less biodiversity and carbon storage than could be achieved with a better mix. Our project in Chippewa sought to restore the mix of trees in the forest and increase the range of climate-adapted trees species to improve the landscape around the headwaters of important watersheds, including the forest alongside lake shores and trout streams, and degraded forest along the north shore of Lake Superior. With so many lakes in the national forest and also the fact that it borders Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, our planting project has helped improve watersheds. In doing so, the new trees help improve water quality as they grow and foster the removal of sediment into these waterways.

The objective of our tree planting project in Chippewa National Forest was to restore vital tree species and introduce new tree species that will help the forest maintain and improve its resilience to threats brought about by climate change. Our planting project is helping provide a wide range of ecological benefits including improved water quality in streams and lakes, reduction of sediment in these water sources, improved habitat to improve biodiversity, helping soil stabilization needed in the face of increased heavy rainstorms, and improved carbon storage by changing forest composition to add species that live longer and grow larger. Not only will the reforestation improve the diversity of tree species in Chippewa National Forest, but also improve wildlife habitat conditions, improve soil and water quality, along with carbon storage.

Eleven native species were planted across the forest project including white spruce, white pine, red pine, red oak, jack pine, black spruce, tamarack, white cedar, bur oak, swamp white oak, and yellow birch. As mentioned previously, planting sites and species selection were made within a strategy of climate change solutions and improving biodiversity and habitat through improving tree species diversity.  Using technology such as drones and remote sensing devices, ideal planting locations were recognized and restored, helping vital wildlife habitat, improving resilience to global warming threats, and protecting and improving a range of services and benefits the forest provides.  It is comforting to know that these forest locations chosen within Chippewa National Forest will produce the highest and longest-term ecological benefits.

Chippewa National Forest Benefits

Thanks to you, your gift of planting trees in Chippewa National Forest has tremendously benefited Minnesota’s tree diversity and strengthened its forest against future issues. The planting of your trees in this deforested area helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through this reforestation, the tree canopy is restored, ecosystems are reinvigorated, and biodiversity can thrive. This project is an excellent example of proving the many ways in which forests benefit wildlife, local communities, and their landscapes, and the project’s impact is critical to enhancing the resilience of this forest ecosystem and safeguarding the benefits they provide now and in the future.

Biodiversity Benefits

With the forest cover that dominates the Minnesota landscape, Chippewa National Forest occupies an area close to the geographic center of the North America continent where three major biomes converge: the prairie, the boreal forest, and the deciduous forests of the east. Our planting projects will help improve the pristine wilderness and abundant biodiversity. Among the noteworthy animal species benefiting are moose, elk, Canadian lynx, burrowing owl and the spotted salamander. The forest is also home to a large gray wolf population, which will also benefit from the new tree plantings. Their living conditions will be enhanced with our tree plantings which will aid the processes that sustain life.

Community Benefits

The communities that are in and surround Chippewa National Forest will benefit from the reforestation project through multiple avenues including enhanced recreation availability, improved water quality, and carbon storage.  The reforested areas will be used for school field trips. A scenic highway along the shores of Lake Superior was also improved, as a result of the project, opening up a spectacular part of the lake to citizens of Minnesota and beyond. Furhermore, by shifting forest plantings to species that live longer and grow taller, the project not only helps safeguard recreational activities for the future, but augment carbon storage capacity that will benefit the surrounding communities long term.

Sunrise over beautiful lake in Chippewa National Forest Minnesota

Conclusion

None of these benefits would be possible without your generosity and foresight in planting a memorial or celebration tree in a U.S. National Forest. The Chippewa United States National Forest in Minnesota is now beginning its renaissance for generations to come thanks to you. As the project director for this project stated: “This project is an excellent example demonstrating the myriad ways in which forests benefit wildlife, local communities, and their landscapes. The forests restored through this project will bring about vital ecological services while serving as a natural oasis for years to come.” The nice thing is that The Gifted Tree makes it easy to plant a tree to celebrate an important milestone or to plant a memorial tree in memory of a loved one, in Minnesota or in 80+ locations around the world.

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eCards That Plant a Tree

CelebrationDigital eCard Front - Forest Stream

When planting a memorial tree for a lost loved one or planting a tree to celebrate a momentous milestone occasion, most people like to send a physical card. The Gifted Tree has a number of beautiful, handcrafted options that are sure to create a Wow experience when received. The recipient will definitely know you care. But sending a physical card is not always possible or practical. One option that has become quite popular in the last few years is sending an eCard that plants a tree to honor a family member or friend who has passed or to celebrate a happy occasion. The Gifted Tree has upped its game and not only has an eCard option, but a premium digital eCard that is animated and quite unique. It too will elicit that Wow reaction that always makes you, the sender, feel quite good and satisfied.

I frequently answer phone call questions about when a customer should send an eCard versus a physical tribute, and while I usually think a card one can hold in one’s hand is best, sometimes it does not make sense. Remember, all eCards plant a tree, or multiple trees if you choose, so either way not only are you connecting with family and friends to express your feelings, but you are making a gift to the world and helping the environment as well.

 

Birthday Celebration Digital eCard - Balloons

Occasions to send an eCard

Ecards are flexible gifts because they can both mark a happy occasion or note a more somber tone. While I have taken orders for eCards that people want to send “just because”, the most popular occasions are birthday eCards along with holidays, in particular, Christmas eCards, Valentine’s Day eCards, and Mother’s Day eCards and Father’s Day eCards.  Customers are always looking for that unique gift and eCards that plant a tree fall into that category as their popularity is relatively new and therefore still elicit a powerfully positive reaction.

eCards are immediate

Sometimes you learn about a death and you want to let the family or friend know immediately that you are thinking of them and offer words of comfort. You don’t want the delay that mailing a card incurs. Other times you you are sitting at your desk, look at the calendar and realize you forgot that it is your best friend’s birthday or anniversary. No problem, with an eCard you can let them know promptly. Our eCards are delivered usually that day or the next day, at most, so you are getting it there when it can be most appreciated and impactful.

eCards can be scheduled

On the flip side, one nice feature about sending celebration or holiday related eCards are that you can schedule delivery on a specific date. With mailed tribute cards you can only approximate the delivery date, but The Gifted Tree’s eCard order page allows you to schedule the precise date when it will go out. Furthermore, you can schedule it far into the future, so if you think about it now but the birthday or holiday is not for months in the future, no problem, it will be sent and delivered on the exact date you note on the order form. Furthermore, eCards have their own tracking system so we know when they have been received and opened.

eCards are Green

eCards don’t use any paper so by sending one you are not harming the environment by cutting down a tree. Please note that most of our other physical tributes are made of handmade paper or are made from recycled materials so no harming of a tree takes place.

Click to View 12 Holiday Digital eCard Options

Sample Holiday Digital eCard Front

Other factors to consider when deciding whether to send an eCard or a physical card

  • Don’t know the person’s address

There are times when you don’t know the person’s home or work address where you want to send it. This happens a lot when it is a business colleague you are honoring. An email address is all that is needed for us to send the eCard. And don’t worry, we never share email addresses, so you don’t have to worry about getting on unwanted email lists. We don’t even know how to do that! And by some chance if you have the wrong email address, it will get bounced back as undeliverable. We will then reach out to you for an edit so that we can resend it.

  • A perfect choice when sending to an international destination

Mailing a physical tribute can take up to 4 months when mailing outside the United States, and sometimes longer during the holiday season . Quite frustrating to say the least. Furthermore, while I don’t like to admit it, some countries’ mail delivery service is not always reliable, and their addresses are a little funky. Since we do not send items with tracking, it is way too expensive, we can never be sure if a card has been delivered, and having a card returned for non-deliverability is not reliable. That is why I recommend sending an eCard when sending it to unusual international destinations. It is reliable and we know when it has been opened – a great peace of mind.

  • Economically feasible

Finally, eCards are budget friendly so you can honor someone and plant a tree for as little as $19.95.

The Gifted Tree’s eCards are beautiful, and the animation gives it that extra sparkle and magic that is sure to make someone’s day, no matter what the occasion. Next time you want to honor someone by planting a tree, consider The Gifted Tree’s premium animated eCards to deliver your message. Magical and Impactful.

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Plant a Tree In Memory To Help Improve Water Quality

Trees along a river helping water quality.

The Gifted Tree plants a lot of trees in memory. In fact, since we started doing so in Ireland in 2013, we have planted over 150,000 trees in United States National Forests and in projects around the world.  Most people think that we plant trees to help reforest areas after devastating forest fires. And we do so, especially in planting projects out west and in Florida. But a number of planting projects’ goals are to help improve water quality in areas in the vicinity of the planting projects as well as further down stream.

Before zeroing in on how planting trees can improve water quality, it is important to understand nature’s water flow. When it rains or snow melts, water runoff is created. The water moves over the surface of the land and is absorbed into the ground or continues on its natural course into streams, rivers, lakes, and other water tributaries. Runoff can occur on natural surfaces like soil, grass, or forest floors, as well as on impermeable surfaces like roads, rooftops, and sidewalks. Runoff can carry pollutants such as chemicals, sediments, and debris into nearby water bodies, which has a profound impact on water quality. Managing water runoff is important in urban planning, agriculture, and environmental protection to prevent issues like flooding, soil erosion, and contamination of water sources.

The planting of trees in the right location can help manage the runoff of this water, acting as a natural filter. Over time, tree loss has harmed water sources by not filtering the pollutants and sentiments that can flow into water sources after rain and snow melt. Trees can help absorb this runoff and thus play a crucial role in the water flow ecosystem.

Tree planting river side to help promote water quality.

How Do Trees Help Manage Water Runoff?

1. Canopy Interception

Trees intercept rainfall with their leaves and branches, slowing down the rate at which water reaches the ground. This reduces the volume of runoff and allows more time for water to infiltrate the soil rather than flowing directly into storm drains or water bodies.

2. Root Absorption and Infiltration

Tree roots absorb water from the soil, helping to reduce the amount of water that becomes runoff. Roots also help improve soil structure, creating channels for water to infiltrate deeper into the ground. This enhances groundwater recharge and decreases surface runoff.

3. Soil Stabilization

Tree roots bind the soil together, reducing erosion caused by runoff. By stabilizing the soil, trees prevent sediments from being washed away into nearby water bodies, which helps maintain water quality and reduce sedimentation in rivers and lakes.

4. Evapotranspiration

Trees release water back into the atmosphere through a process called evapotranspiration. This helps reduce the overall amount of water that becomes runoff, contributing to a balanced water cycle.

5. Shading and Cooling

Trees provide shade, reducing soil temperature and evaporation rates. Cooler soil temperatures and reduced evaporation mean more water is available to infiltrate the ground, decreasing runoff.

6. Reducing Impermeable Surface Impact

In urban areas, trees planted along streets and in parks can help reduce the impact of impermeable surfaces (like concrete and asphalt) by absorbing water and preventing excess runoff from these hard surfaces.
By managing water runoff, trees help mitigate flooding, reduce pollution in waterways, and promote healthier ecosystems.

The Gifted Tree’s Water Improvement Projects

The Gifted Tree has a number of planting projects around the country whose stated goal is to help stabilize soil around streams and thus help improve water quality. Several of these projects are listed below:

Oregon

This planting project is along the Willamette River Valley south of Portland.  Our memorial and celebration trees filter excess sediment, nutrients and toxins before they enter this vital water source. The trees also provide shade for streams, making them healthy environments for fish, such as Oregon’s rainbow trout, steelhead and Chinook salmon.

Pennsylvania

This The Gift Tree planting project is along the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania and it exists to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The collective goal of the planting project is to buffer the approximately 6,250 miles of Pennsylvania streams within the watershed, the main one being the Susquehanna River which delivers half of the freshwater entering the Bay.  As a result, drinking water sources are cleansed and native water habitat is improved which makes the fish and other wildlife in the area very happy.

Maryland

This Gifted Tree planting project is along the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties, Maryland. The overall goal of the project is similar to our other water improvement projects: through the planting of trees, improve the water quality of the stream water flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.

These are three examples of The Gifted Tree’s planting project whose main goal in planting memorial trees and celebration trees is to improve water quality for millions of people who reside in their watershed districts. Tree root systems play an amazing filtering role in the soil and these new plantings will help reduce the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment that exist in the Chesapeake Bay, Willamette  River, and other water sources. These are problems that affect many natural areas in the face of intensive agricultural practices and increasing human development. The reforestation effort will also aid in erosion control, flood mitigation and storm water management, and help promote population rebounds of vulnerable and threatened wildlife. Be sure to contact us with any questions you might have. Or better yet, plant memorial trees or celebration trees to show a loved one or a friend that you care, as well as to start helping improve water quality today.

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Plant a Tree – Best Place & Type to Plant

Tree reforestation project with tree saplings

While it is extremely difficult to place an exact number of how many trees the earth loses per year, it is in the order of many millions to some say even a billion trees. No one debates the importance of trees and the need to keep planting them. The benefits of planting trees are well documented: climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, air quality improvement, soil conservation and water management, and aesthetic and recreation values.

In our business of planting memorial,  celebration, and pet loss trees in the United States and around the globe, The Gifted Tree gets asked quite often, where is the best place to plant a tree? There is no right answer to this question as, unfortunately, so many areas are in desperate need of new trees. That is why we offer over 80 locations worldwide for you to select for your tree planting. No part of the globe is spared from the need for more trees, although different areas need it for different reasons because tree loss has numerous culprits.

Tree planting reforestation landscape

Best Place To Plant a Tree

Forest fires receive a lot of media attention, making us aware of their devastation. This has been the case more recently as climate change has played havoc with the environment and created conditions conducive to these fires. Fires in the western part of the United States has created urgent needs for reforestation in California and other western states. Similarly, forest fires have ravaged parts of Canada, western Europe, and Australia. Fires in the Amazon rain forest have also received a lot of attention although many of those are started by humans as a result of the need to clear land for agricultural pursuits. This is also the case in Africa where clearcutting takes place to open land for animal grazing as well as to provide firewood just so families can cook meals and survive.

The Gifted Tree also has projects to replace trees due to clearcutting from mining operations, (Appalachian Forest) to reforesting from the effects of the world wars (Italy) and replacing areas that lost trees from disease (parts of Africa). Finally, The Gifted Tree is starting to plant in urban projects (New York, New Jersey, and Illinois) which provides benefits from trees for a variety of different reasons.

Urban forest projects are critical for replacing the tree canopy in these areas that have seen a large tree canopy decrease due to factors such as urban growth sprawl, disease, and climate change issues not to mention being trampled by community members. Furthermore, with the effects of warmer temps and more frequent and severe storms, these urban tree projects are more critical as the trees provide shade, lower ambient temperatures, absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. These benefits are critical  in improving life for those living in these urban areas and whose lives disproportionally suffer from income inequality.

Our advice in determining which location to plant, is to pick a place that has meaning for the person you are honoring. Where did they live or where did they like to visit will make that location very meaningful and special. Another possible factor to consider is family heritage. For instance, does the family you are honoring have Irish heritage? If so, consider our planting project in Ireland. If that person is of Indian descent, consider planting the tree in India which will be very meaningful to the family. Other of our international planting locations can play a similar role.

Best Species of Tree To Plant

A related question we receive besides where is the best place to plant the tree is what type of tree should we plant? Please understand that you and we can’t dictate the type of tree species to be planted in a particular planting project. That is determined by our expert non-profit tree planting partners who will make their determination based on the location and what tree will be a best fit for long-term survivability. Factors that are considered include selecting species that are appropriate for the planting site, types that are indigenous to the area, as well as compatible with each other. Other factors considered are soil type, moisture levels, sunlight exposure, and potential interactions between species. One note of interest, and one that has changed since I first started planting trees, is the planting project use to be all one species of tree as the science thought that was best for the project. That thinking has changed.

Now when I go to plant trees in projects, I arrive at the site and there are groupings of 5-6 different species for us to plant. The scientific thought is that a forest is a community, and a diverse community seems to thrive better than a homogeneous community. Scientists are still studying this phenomenon and tweaking their approach, but by planting a range of species that are native and well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, you increase the chances of overall project success. Some species may be better adapted to drought, while others thrive in wetter conditions. This diversity improves the project’s resilience to changing environmental conditions. And finally, maintaining genetic diversity within tree populations is essential for their long-term health and adaptability. Planting multiple species helps preserve genetic diversity and thus reduces the risk of inbreeding within populations which can have an adverse effect.

Oak tree saplings ready to be planted

In Conclusion

In conclusion, The Gifted Tree will plant the species of tree best suited for the area where you select to plant your memorial tree or celebration tree in honor of a loved one.. In determining where to plant, use the advice mentioned above realizing we are incorporating best practices to mitigate the risks and minimize the impact of wildfires, disease and climate change  on our cherished landscapes and communities. But if you are still struggling, my advice is don’t over think it. The world needs trees everywhere. Just remember the old Chinese proverb: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now. So just plant!

 

 

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Birth Trees

Birth trees make perfect birthday and new baby gifts

What is a Birth Tree?

Trees are special and provide a plethora of benefits both environmentally and economically. But did you also know that your birth tree can determine your personality? According to some, especially the Celtic druids, the date of your birth is tied to the lunar calendar and is related to the formation of one’s personality and behavior.

Before we delve into the meaning of each tree, first a little history. Trees have always had a special place in Celtic history. Living trees have played a central role in the practical daily and spiritual lives of the Irish people for centuries. Irish myth, story and music abound with references to trees and their being the home of fairies and spirits. Traveling the Irish countryside, as I have done many times, one is sure to find hand-crafted fairy homes scattered about the forest, always bringing a huge smile to my eyes.

Trees served as landmarks and icons of family and clan identity, and their importance can be measured by the great number of tree-based places named in Ireland – of the 16,000 towns in Ireland, 13,000 are named after trees! All this demonstrates the degree to which trees were understood and valued by the culture.

Celtic Birth Trees

The Celtic druids had a profound connection with trees and believed they were vessels of infinite wisdom. They felt the entire universe existed in the form of a tree. The roots grew deep below, representing the past. The trunk sat in everyday life, representing the present. The branches reached up high into the heavens, representing the future and afterlife. They developed Celtic tree astrology based on the lunar calendar, so it has thirteen astrological signs rather than twelve. Accordingly, the Druids designated a tree to each of the thirteen moon phases in their calendar and associated each tree with a type of personality. They even determined which signs were most compatible with.

Birth Trees by Month

Take a little time and discover more about your birth tree and the personality traits associated with it and with what other birth trees you are most compatible.

Send a Birth Tree by Month gift card package. Includes seeds of the birth tree so the recipient can grow their own. Learn more about the birth tree gift card package.

January Birth Tree

The Rowan Tree: January 22 – February 18

Rowan Tree Leaves

Rowans are the philosophical minds in tree astrology. Rowans can be planted near doors and ward off evil and were thought to guard the gateway to the spirit world. Rowans are keen visionaries with high ideals. You are highly influential in a quiet way and others look to you for your unique perspectives. Their inner passion and burning creativity will get them noticed if they are patient in expressing what is inside them. Others will be impressed by their unique perspective and Rowans are highly influential.

Best match: Rowans pair well with Ivy and Hawthorne signs.

 

February Birth Tree

The Ash Tree: February 18 – March 17 

Ash Tree Leaves

Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, they see the world in water-color purity. Ash tend to be moody and withdrawn at times, but that’s only because their inner landscape is in constant motion. They are in touch with their muse, and are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, Ash inspire all that they associate with and people seek them out for their enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science, and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest Ash. Others may think they are reclusive, but in all honesty, they are simply immersed in their own world of fantastic vision and design. Ash are in a constant state of self-renewal and rarely place a value on what others think about them.

Best match: Ash pair well with Willow and Reed signs.

 

March Birth Tree

The Alder Tree: March 18 – April 14

Alder tree Leaves

Alders are pathfinders. They will blaze a path before anyone else with a burning passion. Alders are outgoing, have buckets of charm and mix well with different types of people. Not only do they get along well with everybody, others are attracted to them. Alders have faith in themselves and this makes them an attractive person to be around.  Alders really hate waste and are uncomfortable with superficial people who aren’t the real deal.

Best match: Alders pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks and Birch

 

April Birth Tree

The Willow Tree: April 15 – May 12

Willow Tree

Willows are highly creative, intuitive and intelligent. They have a keen understanding of cycles, and inherently know that every situation has a season. This gives them a realistic perspective of things, and also causes them to be more patient than most tree signs. With their intelligence comes a natural ability to retain knowledge and impress their company with the ability to expound on subjects from memory. It is Willow’s powers of perception that ultimately allow their true nature to shine, and what leads them to success in life.

Best match: Willow pair well with the Birch and the Ivy.

 

May Birth Tree

The Hawthorn Tree: May 13 – June 9

Hawthorn Tree Leaves

Hawthorns have a split personality. On the outside, they present themselves as a normal neighbor, but on the inside, they are wildly creative and passionate. They are good at adapting to changing life situations. They are good at making themselves content and making others content as well. Hawthorns are naturally curious, great listeners, funny, and have a good sense of both irony and silliness.

Best match: Hawthorns pair well with Ash and Rowans.

 

June Birth Tree

The Oak Tree: June 10 – July 7

Oak Tree Leaves

Oaks have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, they exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome. They have a deep respect for history and ancestry, and a love to impart their knowledge of the past to others, and thus, many Oaks become teachers. Oaks live long, full, happy lives and enjoy large family settings and are likely to be involved with large social/community networks.

Best match: Oaks pair well with the Ash and Reed, and are known to harmoniously join with Ivy too.

NEW! Send a Birth Tree by Month gift card package. Includes seeds of the birth tree so the recipient can grow their own. Learn more about the birth tree gift card package.

July Birth Tree

The Holly Tree: July 8 – August 4

Holly Tree Leaves

Hollys are regal, noble and often take on positions of high status and leadership. Hollys have perseverance and never shy away from a challenge. They are hardly ever defeated simply because they keep trying until they get what they want as well as being competitive and ambitious even in the most casual settings. They are very intelligent and breeze through intellectual challenges. Hollys are very kind and generous to a fault.

Best match: Hollys pair well with Ash and Elder for balance and partnership.

 

August Birth Tree

The Hazel Tree: August 5 – September 1

Hazel Tree Leaf

Hazels are highly intelligent, organized and efficient. Like the Holly, they are naturally gifted in academia, and excel in the classroom. They have the ability to retain information and can recall, recite and expound on subjects they have memorized with amazing accuracy. Sometimes they appear as a know-it-all to others, but they can’t help that; they are genuinely smart and usually know the right course of action because of an impressive knowledge base. Hollys have a gift for numbers, science and subjects that call for analytical skills. Although they like rules, they are typically making them rather than playing by them.

Best match: Hazel pair harmoniously with Hawthorns and Rowans.

 

September Birth Tree

The Vine: September 2 – September 29

Vine Leaves

Vines are born within the autumnal equinox, making their personality unpredictable, full of contradictions and often indecisive. This is due to their ability to see both sides of the story and empathize with each side equally. It is hard to pick sides because they can see the good points on each end. That being said, Vines are certain about enjoying the finer things in life such as food, wine, music, and art. Vines, while seemingly aloof and detached, are very romantic inside.

Best match: Vines pair well with Willow and Hazel.

 

October Birth Tree

The Ivy: September 30 – October 27

Ivy Leaves

The Ivy’s most cherished quality is the ability to overcome all odds. They have a sharp intellect, but more obvious is their compassion and loyalty to others. They have a giving nature and are always there to lend a helping hand. Ivys endure troubling times with silent perseverance and soulful grace. Indeed, Ivys have a tendency to be deeply spiritual and cling to a deep-rooted faith that typically sees them through adversity. They are soft spoken, but have a keen wit, are charming and charismatic

Best match: Ivys pair well with Oak and Ash.

 

November Birth Tree

The Reed: October 28 – November 24

Reed Leaves

Reeds are great at keeping secrets. They can dig deep to find the real meaning of things and discover the truth. People born under this Celtic tree sign love a good story, gossip and scandals. This makes them perfect historians, journalists, detectives, and archaeologists. They have the ability to find the core of things and strip every layer of the story. However, they tend to be a bit manipulative at times, but still have a strong sense of truth and honor.

Best match: Reeds pair well with other Reeds, Ash or Oak.

 

December Birth Tree

The Elder Tree: November 25 – December 23

Elder Tree Leaves

The Elder is a wild child, loving freedom. Elders are thrill seekers for the majority of their lives. They are also outspoken and refuse to be pressured by others into anything. They need constant mental and physical challenges. Furthermore, Elders are very thoughtful and considerate of others and genuinely strive to be helpful.

Best fit: Elders pair well with Alder and Holly.

 

New Year Holiday Birth Tree

The Birch Tree: December 24 – January 21

Birch Tree Leaves

Birch are high energy, highly driven, and often motivate others. They become easily caught in their zeal, drive and ambition. They are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. Birch (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. They are cool-headed and are natural-born leaders, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. They also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with their  guile, and charming crowds with a quick wit.   

Best fit: Birch pair well with Vine and Willow.

Now that you know about your Birth Tree and their associated personality traits (with help from What’s Your Sign), what better way to celebrate someone’s birthday or the birth of a new born than by planting a celebration tree as a birthday present. Not only does The Gifted Tree make it easy, but our unique tributes announce the planting to the honoree in a way fit for a regal celebration and worthy of a majestic birth tree. Or check out our new birth tree by month gift card package (includes the seeds of the birth tree).

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Mental Health Trees

Women practicing yoga under a tree with mountains in the background

World Mental Health Day is Sunday, October 10, 2021. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Mental illness and its consequences come in many forms and has major effects on peoples’ lives worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly exacerbated the negative ramifications associated with mental illness and media attention has brought this destructive problem into better focus. While there is much written about mental health and many debates on ways to improve ones’ mental health, it is pretty universally accepted that trees have a positive impact on ones’ mental health and being around trees is good for our mental health and social well-being.

I touched upon the benefits of trees during the global pandemic in a prior blog and that trees can help provide a stress relief during these uncertain times. But the benefits of the forests was well known even before COVID-19 was part of our everyday lexicon.  The Japanese even coined a term for it: shinrin-yoku. It means taking in the forest atmosphere or “forest bathing,” and the Japanese ministry encourages people to visit forests to relieve stress and improve health. Further research in the field has identified not only the well-known benefits of trees – producing the oxygen we breathe and sequestering carbon dioxide to help negate the affects of climate change – but many health benefits as well.

Trees Improve Health in Urban Areas

Being subjected to noise, pollution, and overcrowding in urban areas, individuals in cities suffer from higher rates of almost every mental health problem as compared to those who live in the country. Frederick Olmsted, who designed New York’s Central Park, and is considered the grand-master of landscape architecture, understood the importance of trees in designing his parks around the country. While open green space has value, it is the presence of trees, and its canopy cover, that really provides a stress relief for city dwellers. Trees, as he reflects, are simple and natural but “touch us so quietly that we are hardly conscious of them.” Bird's Eye view of Central Park New York City

Trees Help Reduce Stress

Spending time around trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. While it is always beneficial to participate in active exercise, simply sitting and looking at trees has shown to reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones. Even those with a “green” view from a hospital recovery room following surgery recover faster, have shorter postoperative stays, take fewer painkillers, and have slightly fewer postsurgical complications compared to those who did not have a similar view or no view at all.

Other Ways Trees Make Us Healthier

Exposure to trees boosts our immune system which helps protect us as we fight off disease. Spending time in nature also helps us focus, stay calmer and be more patient in anxiety-producing situations. Even in children, studies show that young ones who spend time in natural outdoor environments have a reduction in attention fatigue, and those diagnosed with ADHD show a reduction in related symptoms. Finally, exposure to tree and forests helps improve sleep and leads to increased energy levels.

Even as awareness of mental health becomes more prevalent, and promoting action at an earlier stage become more common, unfortunately there are still a staggering number of lives lost to conditions associated with mental health. The Gifted Tree makes it possible to plant a tree in memory of someone whose life was lost due to mental illness. The tree planting in a U.S. National Forest or in one of 30 countries worldwide is accompanied by a beautiful, personal tribute sent to the family which will show you care and help in the grieving process. The Gifted Tree has also partnered with Hilinski’s Hope so that you can designate that the memorial tree be planted in its grove in California and Washington, and part of the proceeds is donated to this fine organization whose goal is to educate, advocate, and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, especially in students. Read the Hilinski’s Hope story here.

Lone tree next to an empty bench by a lakeAs we participate in World Mental Health Day, challenge your beliefs and possibly rethink the way you look at mental health. Support others who are going through challenging times and engage in ways to boost your mental health by finding ways to decompress and relax. Finally, find ways to give, whether it is by planting a tree in memory of someone who was lost to mental health disease or volunteering your time to an organization that works with those suffering from the seven major mental health conditions: Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Eating Disorders, Depression, PTSD, and Addiction/Substance Use Disorder. Hopefully, your actions can help bring hope to the 1 in 5 Americans living with a mental health condition.

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The Gifted Tree’s Tree Donation Program Grows

Mountain Stream Raging Through Beautiful Forest

In a 2019 blog, I introduced our The Gifted Tree family to our Trees for a Cause tree donation program. As I explained back then, you, our customer can donate to plant trees through our program. The Gifted Tree’s Trees for a Cause charity donation program is a win-win-win partnership. Win 1 = Connect on a personal level with someone important to you and show them you care. Win 2 = By planting a tree, you are helping the earth, counteracting the devastating effects of forest fires and climate change. Win 3 = Directly help the hard work of a worthwhile cause by planting your gift tree in a charity specific “Giving Grove,” located in a U.S. National Forest. When you choose our Trees for a Cause program, The Gifted Tree will donate 10% of your purchase price to that organization to help fund their valuable programs.

Direct Relief

Also at that time, I introduced our first charity partnership with Our Military Kids. Since 2004, Our Military Kids has empowered military kids by funding sports, arts, and other enrichment activities when their parents are deployed overseas with the National Guard or Reserves or recovering from severe injuries sustained in a post-9/11 overseas mission. Now, I want to introduce you to three additional charities we have partnered with in our Trees for a Cause program.

Health Care worker wearing mask during COVID-19 pandemic

As has been well-documented in the news, 2020 was a challenging year caused by the pandemic and getting personal protection equipment to first line responders and safety personnel was a challenge. Direct Relief is a humanitarian organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. As part of its COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts, Direct Relief is working in overdrive to get protective gear and critical care medications to as many health workers as possible, as quickly as possible, with emergency deliveries leaving daily for medical facilities across the U.S.

Direct Relief is focusing on the four key areas of activity:

  1. Providing assistance in the form of personal protective equipment for health workers.
  2. Building an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) medication model and mobilizing private resources to build a stockpile to assist with anticipated spike in ICU patients.
  3. Boosting support to safety-net facilities to address existing chronic gaps that are likely to grow.
  4. Collaborating with infectious disease epidemiologists, technology companies and public agencies to use aggregated mobility data to support the COVID-19 response.

As the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to increase, the work of Direct Relief has again become important in the fight to get equipment and supplies to where they are needed to fight this disease.

Hilinski’s Hope

Tyler Hilinski watching a beautiful sunset.

Mental illness has been prominent in the news lately, especially as it applies to athletes. Probably the most recent famous news story involved Simone Biles and her withdrawal from certain Olympic events in Tokyo due to mental challenges. This follows Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open earlier in 2021 citing bouts of depression and not being in a good mental state. Mental depression not only affects star athletes, but athletes and individuals at all levels.

Hilinski’s Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to promote awareness and education of mental health and wellness for student athletes. The Foundation’s mission is to educate, advocate, and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, while funding programs that provide student-athletes with the tools and resources that support their mental health and wellness.

The Hilinski’s Hope Foundation (H3H) was founded in 2018 by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor the life of their son Tyler. Tyler was a top quarterback at every level and played collegiately for Division 1 Washington State University where he wore the uniform with number 3. Many describe Tyler as the happiest person in any room and on any field.  He always had a smile on his face and kind words for his friends and teammates.  Tyler will best be remembered for his play in the Boise State game. Ty was put into the game in the 4th quarter with less than 10 minutes to play and WSU was down 31-10.  Three overtimes later, Tyler threw the game winning touchdown to Jamal Morrow. WSU fans rushed the field and the WSU players hoisted Tyler on their shoulders. From that moment on, Ty became known as the “Comeback Kid”.

Although Tyler always believed in happy endings and that good was around every corner, Tyler simply couldn’t endure the pain he must have been suffering. Just a few months later Tyler died by suicide on January 16, 2018.  Tyler never showed any signs of depression or struggle.

H3H helps colleges and universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student-athletes. H3H does this by sharing Tyler’s story, connecting students with mental health resources, and assisting universities to institutionalize best practices. H3H envisions a world where mental health is supported in parity with physical health and equally prioritized by universities as connected to athletic performance.

 

LA Family Housing

LA Family Housing Original Location - Former Fiesta Motel

LA Family Housing helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services. Their vision is to be a leader in providing solutions to end homelessness, employing evidence-based best practices to achieve its goals. From its humble beginnings in a motel in North Hollywood, pictured above, it now operates 26 properties of temporary, permanently affordable, and permanent supportive housing across the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Every individual has a unique life experience that defines what type of support they need. With these needs in mind, LA Family Housing connects participants to the right type of housing for them, and surrounds them with supportive services that are proven to foster long-term housing stability. Through its outreach and engagement process, LAFH  helps thousands of people transition out of homelessness and retain long-term housing stability.

In 2016, the Fiesta Motel was demolished, making room for the new headquarters of L.A. Family Housing. The new facility includes a state-of-the-art health clinic, 50 units of permanent supportive housing, bridge housing, and a hub that draws scattered public and private homeless services into a single location.

Plant a Tree. Plant a Hope.

Whether donating a tree in memory or in celebration, The Gifted Tree will not only plant your tree(s), helping the world fight deforestation and the devastating affects of global warming, but also help one of these great organizations. It is easy to do — on the order page, just click the box of the Trees for a Cause program you would like to support. We will plant the tree(s) and make the donation. And stay tuned, as The Gifted Tree is working on adding several new organizations to our Trees for a Cause tree donation program.

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