Sunday Newscape Magazine

The Campaign to Reforest America aims to restore three U.S. national forests that have lost trees to wildfire or the effects of modern civilization.

• The Huron-Manistee National Forest in Michigan comprises almost one million acres across the lower peninsula of Michigan where jack pines provide the primary nesting habitat for the Kirtland's warbler. These tiny birds have very specific habitat needs, nesting on the ground under the living branches of jack pine trees. Nesting continues until the trees are too tall to have new branches on the ground. Modern fire suppression techniques have prevented the removal of older trees and the release of seeds from pine cones that spur the growth of young forests.
• The Ocala National Forest in Florida is primarily made up of longleaf pines that once dominated America's southern landscape, but today make up less than 5% of the vast range. Longleaf pine forests are rich in biodiversity and are home to white-tailed deer, fox, squirrels, bobwhite and wild turkeys. Due to the trees' significant decline, more than 30 plant and animal species dependant on these forests are threatened or endangered.
• The San Bernardino National Forest in California was created in 1907 to protect natural resources from the detrimental effects of logging, development and grazing that began taking a toll when gold was discovered in 1855. In September 2007, lightning struck and burned in the area for six days, consuming more than 14,600 acres and deforesting nearly 80% of the land. Over 8,000 acres must be replanted with seedlings now to regenerate the native forest.

Additionally, the Plow & Hearth heritage program Planting Two for One®, donates two seedlings for every tree used to print a catalog, and also helps replenish forests in need. Since its inception in 1991, this program has led to the reforestation of more than 1.5 million trees in its home state of Virginia. This year alone, it is anticipated that the Planting Two for One® program will account for 40% of all seedlings to be distributed.

In addition to its environmentally conscious programs, Plow & Hearth also offers practical, eco-friendly products for composting and pest control, energy-saving insulated curtains and fatwood made from pine stump waste and more.

To learn more about the Campaign to Reforest America, visit www.plowandhearth.com/trees.