Aspens in Grand Teton National Park. National Wildlife Photo Contest entry by William Wiley.
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and help local wildlife.  This year, National Wildlife Federation is celebrating the 75th Anniversary of National Wildlife Week  by calling all students — pre-school through college — to make a difference for wildlife by planting trees.

NWF can assist you each step of the way in organizing a tree planting event, from helping to figure out the right time to plant to advising on what native species to use, (GO NATIVE!) to helping you involve friends and community members.

I am challenging youth of all ages to make a commitment to help wildlife and our planet by organizing a service project at their school or in their community to plant trees.

Friends, family and community members can help as well. Donate today to NWF’s tree bank and help us provide trees to students to plant in their community.

We Need Trees!

Trees play a critical role in supporting so many other living things – human and wildlife alike.  Did you know…

  • Trees clean the air: Trees absorb odors and pollutants and filter our air through their leaves and bark — our own built-in air purification system!
  • Trees provide oxygen: Over the course of a year one acre of trees provides enough oxygen for 18 people.
  • Trees save water AND help keep our water clean: Trees help to both reduce runoff and help to filter groundwater and the water in our streams. Shade from trees helps slow water evaporation so you don’t need to water your lawn as much.
  • Trees provide jobs: Whether it is harvesting fruit, nuts, or other products from trees or using trees for clothing, tires and other products – trees provide jobs and help to sustain our economy.
  • Trees are critical for wildlife: Trees provide many different species with food, cover and places to raise young and for some species are even their water source. Whether it is in the canopy or trunk or roots wildlife can be found both in living, dying and dead trees helping to keep our ecosystems balanced.

So take up our 2013 National Wildlife Week challenge to Branch out for Wildlife and help us plant 75,000 trees!