Your Next Mission: Just 1 Tree

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity today. Scientists believe two of the best ways we can prepare for climate change are to protect existing habitats and help create new ones for animals. Even doing something as simple as planting a tree can make a HUGE difference for animals, the planet and even us! This spring we are launching the Just1Tree Mission in partnership with NatureServe, to give you all the information you need to start planting, no matter where you live across the United States!

Before we go any further, here are the climate change basics:

• Climate change is happening because humans are releasing too much carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise.
• Forests soak up CO₂ as they grow, helping to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases floating around. If a forest absorbs more CO₂ from the atmosphere than it releases, it is called a “carbon sink”.

It’s up to us to keep our forests healthy!

Planting seeds and seedlings is something we can all do to make a difference and keep your state teeming with trees. Unfortunately, trees do not live forever, but by helping to continually renew the forests with new trees, we are contributing to that carbon sink. This is why foresters hold a very important job of determining which forests to renew, while ensuring that there is enough habitat types for lots of different animals left behind and communities near these forests to enjoy but still getting enough for the products we need, like lumber to help build homes, along with face masks and toilet paper.

Forest management helps us create the right balance between the amount of trees we take and the amount we re-grow, while ensuring animals and humans can enjoy them into the future – making sure that America’s forests remain strong carbon sinks for the fight against climate change.

Just 1 Tree can:

• Help absorb greenhouse gases
• Give us fresh air to breathe
• Create a new home for animals to live in
• Make food for hungry animals
• Provide shade to help us keep cool in warmer temperatures

Are you ready to do your part to help?

For this Mission, we’re asking you to team up with a friend to plant trees. We all have the power to make a difference and the more people who get involved, the better!

Your Mission: Plant a tree. Better yet, get a friend to plant one too!

Mission Checklist:

• Read through the Mission Brief to learn how climate change is impacting animals and the planet.
• Ask a friend to become an Earth Ranger and plant your trees together!
• Using the Planting Guide provided, choose trees that grow well in your area.
• Find seeds or saplings at your local nursery. If you start with seeds, read the packet and plan ahead because they may need some time in your fridge! Also, lots of places give out free trees in the spring! Start with your city planning office to see what kind of programs could help.
• When you’re done, come back and let us know how your Mission went. Don’t forget to take a picture!