Reforestation

Earlier today an <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/man-single-handedly-plants-entire-forest.html">article</a> caught my eye about a man who planted a 1,360 acre jungle... By himself. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JadavMolaiPayeng">Jadav Payeng</a> is one of many people who are participating in reforestation of our green-blue orb, and who has managed to make a significant impact all on his own. He is not alone in these endeavours, however, there are efforts world-wide towards the same goal.

It's easy to participate in this yourself either by doing it yourself... Or by paying others to do it for you. <a href="http://www.edenprojects.org/">Eden Projects</a> is making great headway, employing villagers in Ethiopia, Madagascar and Haiti, to plant seedlings in protected reforestation areas.With approximately 900 members, Eden Projects has managed to plant over 43 million trees since 2005. This is no small number, but is it enough? On their page they ask only a $10 donation and to invite ten of your friends to do so as well... I'm currently considering asking about how I can join their efforts in a more permanent manner. I'll let you know what comes of that... ;3

Now then! For the people primed and ready to go out and do it themselves... What do you really need to know!? It's as simple as planting a tree! Why stop there though? There are people participating in reforestation projects via geo-caching already, and great DIY guides for planting just about anything you'd like. <a href="http://www.doityourself.com/stry/reforestation--how-to-plant-evergreen-trees">Evergreens</a> can be an excellent place to start, as they are hardy and grow quickly. <a href="http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-plant-an-oak-tree">Oak Trees</a> make an excellent addition to any forest project as well, since they face regular unsustainable harvesting and actually face extinction. Yes, that's right... Plants come in different species too... And species can become extinct. Go figure. As of 2007, <a href="http://www.bgci.org/files/Worldwide/Publications/the_red_list_of_oaks.pdf">78 out of 500</a> oak species face potential extinction.

It's important to remember though, that a forest is more than just trees. For a forest to thrive it requires a diverse and well integrated ecosystem, with many different plants, animals and insects. Jadav Payeng recognized this, bringing ants and other things in to his forest to supplement the existing ecosystem. Perhaps if you're interested in mirroring his efforts... You can ask him about them! The link above is to his facebook page.