Your impact: tentree is excited to be planting in the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. The benefits of planting trees in the USA are difficult to count, but here are 10 noteworthy benefits we wanted to share:
Fight deforestation
Prior to the arrival of European Settlers, nearly half of the US was forested. Today there are less than 3,000,000 square kilometres of forest left, causing the near extinction of many animal and plant species.
Improve water quality
Forests provide a natural filter for water and reduce storm water runoff, flooding, and erosion. The cleaner the water is, the better it is for both humans and wildlife.
Manage the habitat
The forests provide food and shelter to many species of insects, birds, and mammals. The trees also provide nutritional feed for wild animals.
Produce oxygen
Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. One mature tree can provide enough oxygen to support two people each day.
Battle climate change
Trees have the capability to capture and store large amounts of carbon, therefore helping mediate climate change. As well, forests cool the air using both direct shade and the effects of water evaporation off of their leaves.
Reduce air pollution
Forests reduce particulate matter and pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and sulphur dioxides from the air.
Restore wildlife
By reconnecting reclaimed sects of agricultural land within the valley, we are promoting the return of many species of animals and plants that have since been wiped out from the area. With access to a more diverse, healthier gene pool and larger tracts of land, many of the plant and animal species will be able to repopulate.
Protect wildlife
We are protecting a valley that is home to 530 species of birds, 40% of North America’s butterfly species, 1,200 plant species, and 17 threatened or endangered animal species.
Create recreational opportunities
Providing outdoor recreational opportunities, forests push people to live healthy, active lifestyles.
Bring on quality partners
American Forests, the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the country, advocates for the protection and expansion of forests.
