Adapting Our Tree-Planting Program to Sustain Long-Term Impact
For nearly 30 years, our tree-planting program has thrived on the simplicity and effectiveness of our $1-for-two-trees model. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to reforest critical areas while making a meaningful impact on the environment and local indigenous communities. However, like other aspects of life, the cost of maintaining our program has risen, and we’ve reached a point where changes are necessary to sustain our efforts.
Beginning January 15, 2025, we will transition to a $1-for-one-tree model. This decision was not made lightly, but we must continue delivering quality results, ensuring fair wages for our hardworking nursery team in Mexico, and supporting our operations. This change will help make that possible.
Why the Change?
Several factors have driven our decision to update our funding model:
1. Quality Trees:
The cost of growing and maintaining seedlings has significantly increased. We’re committed to planting trees that will thrive in their environment and create a lasting impact. Ensuring each tree is well-nurtured requires ongoing care and resources, which have become more expensive.
2. Fair Wages for Our Nursery Team:
Our dedicated nursery team in Mexico is essential to our program’s success. They work tirelessly to nurture the trees from seedlings until they are ready for planting. It’s important to us that they receive fair wages that reflect their hard work and ensure their well-being.
3. Rising Operational Costs:
Gas, transportation, and equipment maintenance costs have surged. For example, repairs to our irrigation system, which keeps the trees healthy, have become more frequent and costly. These operational expenses are critical to sustaining the quality of our reforestation efforts.
4. Long-Term Sustainability:
We’ve always prided ourselves on the fact that close to 90% of all donations go directly into our program. To maintain this high standard, we need to adjust to current economic realities while continuing to make a significant environmental impact. The demand for trees has never been higher, and we must ensure our program remains robust to meet this growing need.
Continuing Our Mission for Reforestation
We are committed to transparency, ensuring that your contributions are used effectively. This adjustment will allow us to continue making a positive difference in reforestation and conservation efforts, particularly in areas of critical need, such as the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve buffer zone and the Highland Lakes Watershed region.
Your support has been the backbone of our success, and we hope you understand the need for this change. Together, we can continue making a lasting impact on the planet, its people, and its pollinators.
STAY INFORMED
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