Bloomington, IL,
26
April
2018
|
16:31 PM
America/Chicago

Planting for Our Future

A Tree Uprising

Baby Pine Tree

Trees are the lungs of the earth. Without them, we couldn’t survive. And our trees-our earth-are at risk. Trees improve our air quality by removing pollution from the atmosphere and giving us clean, fresh air to breathe.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, more than half of all Americans depend on forest watersheds for drinking water.

Lake with trees on shoreline

 

The Blaze of Wildfires

Sadly, forest fires and infestation can take away many benefits trees provide to human and environmental health.

As many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans, according to the U.S. Department of Interior. Some human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson. The remaining 10 percent are started by lightning or lava.

Trees burning in wildfireTrees after wildfire

 

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Arbor Day 2018

Nebraska’s One Million Acre Forest

When you think of Nebraska, football and corn may come to mind. But trees should too. In 2006 and 2012, 50,000 trees were burned in forest fires caused by lightning in the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands. Burning the Bald Eagle’s and other animal’s habitats. A combined 86,000 acres were burned according to the Arbor Day Foundation. The damage was so bad natural regeneration is not possible, leaving reforestation in human hands.

Aerial view of treesTwo Pictures - tree burning and new trees growing

 

The Future of Trees

The US Forest Service strives to replicate the natural diversity of trees through its plantings in forests nationwide. Like humans, trees need air to breathe and sunshine, water, and food to grow. Trees fight to stay alive just like humans do. Trees will adapt to change, but forests need to be replanted in order for the adaptation to occur.

New pine tree growing

 

The Celebration of Arbor Day

Arbor Day originated 144 years ago by Nebraska pioneer J. Sterling Morton. It is an annual observance celebrating the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.

Whether trees provide a backyard swing for your children or a nesting place for diverse habitat, the future of trees is in jeopardy. Without aggressive replanting efforts there will be no seed source to reestablish this unique ecosystem. Replanting trees today will benefit generations to come.

State Farm® is doing their part. The insurance company, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, sponsored the replanting of 30,000 trees over the last 3 years.

“Our forests are part of the long and important legacy of the people and the land of our country,” said Matt Harris, Arbor Day Foundation chief executive. “Thanks to State Farm’s commitment, thousands of trees will be planted to help clean the air, protect water resources, and restore habitat and beauty to forests that have suffered devastation.”

Harris hopes others follow in State Farm’s footsteps. Take a stand with our trees. If interested in supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, donate today and share this story about the importance of trees with family and friends.

Special thanks and photo credit to: Arbor Day Foundation; Bessey Nursery; Dan Morrow; Brad Brandt; US Forest Service; Cydney Janssen; Chris Fankhauser; Diane Clark, Jessica Espinoza, and Moni Hourt from Crawford Clipper; State Farm agents Randy Bauer and Bob Alcorn

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