By Daniel Hachet, Project Manager
Recently, I had the honor of leading a Forterra Friday event with nine of the kindest volunteers I have ever worked with. I was met with gratitude, an offer to tie my shoes, and multiple hugs. We planted 125 trees during the event and I, a 26-year-old, was tied for the oldest person there.
What excites me most, however, isn’t the number of trees we’re planting — it’s the community and hope events like this foster. It’s no secret my generation is full of climate anxiety but events like this one remind us we can shape our future. After the event, several people mentioned how much better they felt – a testament to nature’s healing ability and the young leaders that attended.
One of my favorite parts of leading events like these is teaching volunteers about connections within the forest. For example, English Ivy forms a thick carpet on the ground, halting tree regeneration and damaging the trees it climbs. Volunteers are frequently surprised to learn this and commit to stewarding outdoor spaces near their homes. I love events like these because I know how impactful an event like this can be.
This reminds me of important lessons I learned growing up in Orient, Ohio (population 252). Everyone near me thought climate change was a hoax. My scoutmaster would say “The sun makes the earth warm – not gasses”. Who was I to question him? That changed when I met my science teacher, Ms. Houser.
From removing litter to creating a greenhouse, I helped her steward the land around our school. I ended up taking her AP Environmental Science class and despite a few embarrassing questions (Wind Turbines break and send shrapnel flying – why would we want that?). Ms Houser changed my trajectory forever and now I find myself writing this email to you. One person—one lesson—can change your perspective, and I’m grateful Ms. Houser changed mine.
With the help of volunteers, field partners, and other support, our Evergreen Restoration Program will plant over 2,500 trees this season, sequestering between 8,894 and 12,500 tons of CO2. That is enough to drive a car (getting 30 mpg) 27.5 million miles! You can’t tell me we aren’t making an impact here!
Every tree we plant and every lesson we share is a step toward a healthier, more resilient future, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Warmly,
Daniel
