From our reforestation partner, One Tree Planted, here are 5 inspiring tree stories from 2024 →

1.) United States National Parks received a $100 MIL Donation to Help with Park Restoration

This is the largest one-time donation in United States history benefiting US National parks. It was endowed through the Lilly Endowment Inc. foundation. The funds will be distributed as grants and released on a schedule. 

The gift will help restore ecosystems and wildlife species and will also create opportunities to welcome more visitors to the parks.

2.) Colombian Deforestation Drops To Its Lowest Level

In a remarkable turn of events, the Colombian government’s conservation and restoration efforts have proven effective. In 2023, deforestation dropped 36%, with the biggest impact in the Amazon rainforest. It's the lowest it’s been in 23 years. This is BIG news. This, friends, is good news.

3.) Formerly Extinct Tree Has Been Found In Tanzania

Extinct? Who’s extinct? No, we're not talking about Jurassic Park, we're talking about Millettia sacleuxii! A tree so elusive, there’s no English word for it! This cool tree was thought to be long extinct until two, yes, two individual trees were discovered growing near one another by Andrea Bianchi. The two trees were found growing in the Nguru Mountains of Tanzania.

Since then, the tree’s seeds have been collected and germinated to ensure the future success of the species.

4.) A New Oak Tree Could Save Sumatra’s Orangutans

Oaks are an important tree species here in Illinois. Did you know that a single mature native oak hosts over 500 species of insects and wildlife? It's TOTALLY TRUE! Many species of wildlife rely on that single oak tree for survival. With Illinois oaks declining rapidly, you can see how important certain species of trees can be for sustaining an ecosystem. From food to shelter, that one tree plays a vital role, BUT did you know oaks are just as important in other areas of the world as well?

Take the Indonesian island of Sumatra, for example. In the Batang Toru forest, a new species of Stone Oak tree could save an entire species of rare endangered orangutans, the Tapanuli Orangutan. The oak tree's acorns are an important source of nutrition for the orangutans. The tree itself is already at risk of endangerment due to deforestation. This area of the tropical forest is now under protection through efforts from local conservation committees. 

5.) A Victory for Bees & Colorado’s Fragile Ecosystem

A new bill has declared bees “animals too.” This win means wildlife conservation efforts in Colorado can now include bees. Bees pollinate around 90% of the earth's plant life. They are essential in sustaining entire ecosystems. With over 900 species of bees in Colorado alone, many bee species in Colorado are at risk of becoming endangered. Wildlife grant funds can now be used to protect these species. This is a big win for conservation efforts across the board.

#BeInspired by these uplifting tree stories from 2024!