Help Protect a Young Forest

Hello friends, family and fellow nature lovers! As many of you know I have been working to reforest a twenty acre field on the farm on which I grew up, which until recently was planted in corn. I have always felt powerless in the face of climate change and wildlife habitat and decided to do something tangible. In the spring of 2019 we planted tiny pine trees and red clover seed to keep the weeds down. This spring we added about 700 oak trees to the field in hopes that within a few years our forest would begin to take shape. It might be a small effort but the change is visible from the number of birds that have returned and nested in the field to the buzzing of bees around the clover, the occasional burst of a turkey from a pile of brush and the demon groundhog that literally chased me away from her den.

The most prolific new sighting are the deer, and this summer, despite spraying all 700 oaks with deer proofing spray, they have decimated the young trees. Many are still alive but without proper protection they will never grow tall, which is where the fundraiser comes into play. This year for my birthday I am hoping to raise $1,500 to buy 300 protective tree tubes at $5 a piece (for tube and stake) to put around at least a part of the forest. With Covid and my status on the unemployment roll this is a big chunk to spend right now, but maybe if we all join forces it won't be so bad! 

I understand that Covid has hit everyone, but conservation is a team effort and every little bit would mean a lot to me (and the babies). Thank you, I love you all!