FYI... ABA Environmental Initiative - Plant 1 Million Trees by 2014 Almost three years ago, The American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources announced a nationwide public service endeavor, the One Million Trees Project (americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/projects_awards/one_million_trees_project.html). The project calls on Law Firms and ABA members to contribute by planting trees across the United States with a collective goal of planting one million trees by 2014. The need to replace trees in communities throughout Michigan lost to invasive insects such as the emerald ash borer and old age is critical. For every 4 trees removed, only one is being replanted. While the initiative was created by the ABA it is not limited to its members. Law Firms, whether ABA members or not, can participate in the One Million Trees Project by tapping into the tree planting expertise of ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide, educational, nonprofit tree organization. For over 24 years, ReLeaf Michigan has organized community tree plantings and implemented tree education programs throughout the state of Michigan. Because of our extensive experience organizing and overseeing community plantings, we can make your participation in the ABA’s tree planting purposeful and efficient. One example of a successful partnership was in 2010, when ReLeaf Michigan planted 50 trees in Grand Rapids alongside the Miller Canfield law firm staff based in that area. We also have a unique niche in the field of tree planting. Rather than plant seedlings, which have an average survival rate of 20%, we plant trees that are 1 ¾ to 2 inches in diameter and about 6 - 10 feet tall. These trees have an excellent survival rate. Since it takes more expertise, equipment, and funding to plant these trees, there are not many groups who plant them. But we do. And as the only group in Michigan that plants these more mature trees, your partnership with us will add strong numbers to the goal of planting one million trees by 2014. The details we handle for each tree planting project: · Perform a site visit to a proposed area to select the best location for the trees and to discuss logistics with the community group; · Identify suitable tree species; · Work with the local municipality to acquire permits and equipment; · Arrange the purchase and delivery of the trees and planting material to the planting site; · On the day of the event, we train volunteers and supply them with tools, and oversee the planting event. There are a number of ways a law firm can support planting trees throughout the state of Michigan with ReLeaf Michigan: · Sponsor a ReLeaf Michigan community planting. For $2,500, we will plant 13 – 18 trees. ReLeaf Michigan handles all the details while your firm gets recognition as described below along with an opportunity to say a few words at the beginning of the planting. Your office can help plant the trees too! Our plantings are a great team building opportunity for staff and interns. · Contribute to the ReLeaf Michigan Community Planting Fund. We get requests for community plantings from around the state. And with funding, we can fulfill them. In return for your donation, you will be recognized on the ReLeaf Michigan website, social networks, and in our newsletter, which reaches Michigan residents. We will also let you know how many trees were planted so you can inform the ABA One Million Trees Project coordinators. o Matching Funds work wonders. Perhaps the Environmental Section of the Michigan Bar Association could provide a match for any funding provided by a Michigan based law firm. o Make a donation to the ReLeaf Michigan Community Planting Fund as a customer holiday thank you. · Participate in a community planting. Roll up your sleeves and dig in—even though the holes are dug in advance, you’ll still get to play with dirt! We always welcome volunteers. (Join our Face book page and/or become a member to receive announcements.) Partnering with ReLeaf Michigan to plant trees throughout the state improves the quality of life for those in our communities. Your active involvement, financial or otherwise will not only replace much needed trees but will make a significant improvement to the environment by mitigating green house gas emissions and making a difference in the quality of life of the residents from whom you make your living. As recognition, you/your firm will get: · Acknowledgement in a press release · Firm name on planting banner · Acknowledgment by the American Bar Association for your effort · Acknowledgment on the ReLeaf Michigan website and in their newsletter · Opportunity to note your involvement on your own website and link to the ReLeaf Michigan site · A great feeling every time you drive by the site knowing you have made a difference We are members of the Alliance for Community Trees and American Forests and Tree Link/Tree Bank; all published partners of the ABA in this effort. For more information please contact ReLeaf Michigan by emailing us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-642-7353. Together we can make a difference!
Posted on: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 00:18:59 +0000
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