Each April, families and communities across the country often ask themselves, “What can I do this Earth Day to be a better steward of the environment?” This year, we invite you to join Delta Institute in planting over 2,000 trees in the Midwest.
Why?
Deforestation is a major concern across the Midwest. Lake County, for example, has lost 7.7% of it total forest area (equaling 1,947 acres) between 2000-2016, making it the largest percentage lost by any Indiana county during that period. This is especially true for black oak savannas (pictured at right) – whereas these trees once covered nearly 50 million acres of land from Michigan to Nebraska, they now cover only approximately 30,000 acres.
Because of the vital role that trees play in our environment, this depletion has led to increased flooding, water pollution, and even threatening endangered species ranging from butterflies to fish to mudpuppies because of habitat loss and water runoff pollution.
Black oak savannas are threatened and globally rare.
How are we addressing this?
Planting trees in the region will address increasing flooding challenges. However, simply planting trees is not enough–that’s why were committed to building a “Tree Planting Consortium” to equip local community leaders with the tools and training they need to ensure long-term forest stewardship and management. This approach promotes a spirit of collaborative approach to environmental stewardship while also addressing other regional goals to:
- Maximize tree canopy restoration and stormwater management;
- Improve habitat and biodiversity to protect endangered species and water quality;
- Expand equity, climate resilience, and connectivity for engaged communities; and
- Promote community capacity building, youth education, and local volunteerism.
What kind of impact will this make?
Our Tree Planting Consortium is committed to begin planting 2,240 trees over the course of the next year. Ultimately, this is a multi-year effort that will improve habitats for endangered species, improve water quality and forest ecosystems, and create other benefits like:
2,240 trees planted
Multiple endangered species protected
15 miles of riparian forest treated
7 million gallons of stormwater runoff treated annually
41,600 acres of trees and seedlings planted
200+ volunteers & youth trained
This Earth Day, give with confidence.
Our average cost to plant one tree—including all expenses related to planning, seedling purchases, investing in long-term maintenance, capacity-building, and more —is about $150. This Earth Day please consider being a part of this work with a tax-deductible donation.
Delta Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a Four-Star “Give with Confidence” rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar—the highest rankings awarded to the top 0.1% of all 1.5 million registered nonprofits nationwide.
