Artistic Community Joins Green Forests Work on Earth Day to Plant 2 Millionth Tree on Reclaimed Coal Mine

On Saturday, April 22, 2017, Green Forests Work (GFW), in cooperation with the United Nations Regional Office of North America, the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative, the Arbor Day Foundation, The American Chestnut Foundation, the University of Kentucky Appalachian Center and Kentucky Writers and Artists for Reforestation hosted a volunteer tree planting event in Breathitt County, Kentucky in support of Earth Day and the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign.

The event attracted local writers, artists and other volunteers who planted thousands of indigenous hardwood trees and wildlife shrubs to restore a forest habitat in an area that was previously mined for coal. Rehabilitation of these mines provides new opportunities for lands that are often considered marginal and contributes significantly to sustainability.

“This planting event will celebrate the two millionth tree planted by Green Forests Work”, says Dr. Christopher Barton of the University of Kentucky and President of Green Forests Work.

Green Forests Work focuses to re-establish healthy and productive forests on formerly mined lands in Appalachia. Since 2009, GFW has supported the reforestation of thousands of acres of surface mined land in eight states – Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Glenn Bucksbaum of The Baum Foundation and Michael Garland of Michael Garland Photography planted trees on behalf of The Baum Foundation and to celebrate the Earth Day Tree Planting alongside Green Forests Work.

 

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