# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Seed Bombs Planting Millions of Trees in Kenya

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Seed Bombs Planting Millions of Trees in Kenya

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
10 Tree Planting Projects Around the World

# data[].attributes.body
This link contain planting projects from around the world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As the popular saying goes, "trees are the lungs of our planet." They are a vital part of forest and woodland ecosystems and play a big role in our food-producing systems. Unfortunately, there's a growing global problem of tree felling and deforestation. Thankfully, tree planting projects are springing up across the globe.

Trees are being removed without sufficient replanting and reforestation to offset the loss. We should all be concerned as trees:

Provide the oxygen we breathe.

Trap and store carbon, reducing the atmospheric greenhouse gases which cause global warming.

Bring rain to the land and play a crucial role in the world's water cycle.

Store water and stabilize the soil.

Protect the soil and increase surrounding soil fertility.

Supply biomass for fuel needs and fertility.

Offer shade from the sun.

Provide windbreaks.

Filter dust and clean the air of other airborne contaminants.

Provide valuable wood, fruits, nuts, flowers, medicines and other resources for humans.

Provide fodder, habitat and other resources for other livestock and wildlife.

Trees Matter

Trees serve as the lynchpins of natural ecosystems. They have beneficial interactions with other trees, with soil biota, wildlife, and humanity. Even though we sometimes just pass them by, trees are living beings like us that care for their offspring and other organisms around them. They also learn and relearn things just as we do.

So, we need to protect trees. In their own way, trees are also working to protect us, especially from climate change. They provide crucial support in reversing and reducing the effects of global emissions causing climate change.

It is cannot offset our mammoth global carbon emissions. But it can help us to mitigate and adapt in the face of our climate emergency. Planting trees is a key part of the pathway to a more resilient, fair, and sustainable future.

There is a range of different ways in which we can use trees to help repair the damage humanity has done, to restore degraded landscapes, and even improve them to better meet the needs of wildlife and humanity.

Tree planting schemes can:

.

Prevent soil degradation and replenish fertility.

'Rewild' landscapes and restore natural biodiversity.

Create abundant and sustainable food-producing systems.

Enrich human built-environments and 're-green' cities.

10 Tree Planting Projects Around the World

There are many individuals and group tree planting projects around the world. These projects are established for different reasons, e.g deforestation, climate crises, natural water cycle, loss of habitat for animals, and more. However, their common goal is to replace native trees in the places they have been/are being lost. Let's look at some major tree-planting schemes around the world:

The Trillion Trees Initiative is one of the largest reforestation initiatives in place. It is a partnership of governments, businesses, civil society, and ecopreneurs who have come together to create a unifying platform for the reforestation community. It brings together and supports a huge range of organizations that are doing their bit; planting trees and restoring our planet.

Through this platform, all local people interested in tree planting can work with those involved in the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, the Bonn Challenge (see below), the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration, and many others who are working towards the same or similar goals.

2. The Bonn Challenge - Global Effort To Restore 350 Hectares of Forest by 2030

The German Government and IUCN launched this project. It was later endorsed and extended by the New York Declaration on Forests at the 2014 UN Climate Summit. The Bonn Challenge is another key tree planting initiative that seeks to restore 350 million hectares of forest by 2030.

So far, the pledge count is at 172.35 million hectares. Many countries have made ambitious pledges under the Bonn Challenge, and many have already made substantial progress towards meeting those commitments. Check out the link above to find out more about the commitments made, and the exciting tree planting success stories that have been born of them.

Many countries have achieved great things under the Bonn Challenge and other such initiatives, and Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative seems to be a significant addition. Launched last May, this program is an attempt to combat climate change and environmental degradation.

Although we cannot verify the exact number of trees planted (by an alleged 23 million people who took part), it does seem clear that a great many trees were planted. And it is likely that this initiative trumps the previous world record for the number of trees planted in a single day; Uttar Pradesh, India, in 2016, when 50 million trees were planted by more than 800,000 people.

The government of Ethiopia aimed to plant 4 billion trees by the end of last year, and while it is not entirely clear exactly how many trees were planted, it is clear that they are making great strides in reforestation.

4. Ecosia - Planting Trees One Web Search at a Time

The web search site Ecosia, founded in 2009, has planted over 86 million trees. When its 15 million active users search the web, ads generate money and Ecosia uses this income to plant trees. They aim to plant a billion native trees and have a series of strong restoration projects around the world.

Ecosia supports over 20 tree-planting projects in 15 countries, working with local partners who monitor trees in the ground. They focus on planting in biodiversity hotspots, and where people want them.

The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion trees campaign is another ambitious plan to help curb climate change and address deforestation. Check out this link for more impressive tree planting projects that are being undertaken with donations from this campaign in Africa, China and throughout the Americas.

The World land Trust has provided the funds to plant well over 2 million trees, and counting. By planting trees with the World Land Trust, many people are helping to restore forests that have been lost to deforestation. The World Land Trust works with a network of in-country conservation partners to protect crucial habitats and to restore areas that have been deforested. Check out, for example, their work in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.

7. One Tree Planted - Restoration Partner of the United States Forestry Service

One Tree Planted has planted over 4 million trees in 18 countries across four global regions. They've planted more than 1.8 million trees in North America, 1.2 million in Africa, 465,000 in Asia and 423,000 in South America. In 2020, they plan to plant more than 6 million more. They are now an official reforestation partner of the United States Forest Service (USFS) and also work in partnership with a range of other groups.

8. World Agroforestry - Sustainable Tree-Based Food Producing Systems

World Agroforestry is a center of science and development that disseminates knowledge of agroforestry and its practices. Knowledge spread by ICRAF enables governments, development agencies, and farmers to utilize the power of trees to make farming and livelihoods more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable at all scales. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, they operate six regional programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

World Agroforestry also conducts research in more than 30 other countries around the developing world. The knowledge of agroforestry informs and enables a wide range of agroforestry schemes around the world which also contribute to increasing tree cover and re-greening degraded land.

This Dutch non-profit organization, Ecosystem Restoration Camps has hundreds of members from over 30 countries around the world. Their big goal is to have one million people come together by 2030 and restore degraded lands in 100 ecosystem restoration camps around the world. Check out their website to see the amazing tree planting going on at the existing camps. You can also learn more about seedling camps springing up around the globe.

The International Tree Foundation is a charitable company that runs tree planting programs in Africa and the UK. They support a range of community-led initiatives that plant and promote trees and forests for the future of our planet and human life. They planted approaching 500,000 trees in 2019.

Of course, there are many more amazing tree planting projects. Many of them focus on a very specific area and have very specific targets - from restoring the Amazon to reforesting a nation, to producing food and building resilience for a specific community. Whether we are talking about millions of trees, or just a single, small plantation, millions of people around the world are making a big difference.

How to Start a Local Tree Planting Project

If you want to make a difference where you live, there are plenty of ways to start a local tree-planting project. The first step might be to see whether you can partner with or get involved with one of the major tree planting schemes mentioned above. These organizations are often well placed to offer advice and help you find funding and resources for your project.

Of course, the size, scale, scope, and goals of your particular tree planting project will define the best course of action. The type of tree planting you choose will obviously also depend on the climate, environmental and social factors in your area.

Determine the scale, scope, and goals of your project

One of the first things to do is determine what kind of tree planting scheme you are interested in. For example, you might be looking at:

Bioregion or area-wide ecosystem restoration (large scale reforestation projects).

Agroforestry or community forestry scheme (community-scale projects).

A smaller community garden, street planting or community orchard type scheme (smaller community projects).

Simply planting more trees on your own land, or in your own garden.

Also, consider whether you already have a site or if one will need to be found for your project.

There is plenty of information online to guide you through the process of designing your project, forming a working group, and which will guide you through the process of actually planting trees and meeting your goals.

Take guidelines and principles into account

A number of different organizations and initiatives have already created a series of globally applicable guidelines and principles for reforestation and forest restoration.

Take, for example, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration's five basic rules:

Consider the roots (of issues that caused deforestation in the first place).

Work with nature. (Right trees for the right places, native plants, etc...)

Work with people. (Listen to and meet the needs of key stakeholders.)

Ask an expert. (Work with those with a deep understanding of ecosystem restoration.)

Plan ahead and be patient. (Remember, ecosystem restoration takes time.)

Other applicable guidelines and principles include those from the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration, the Society for Ecological Restoration, and the Forest and Climate Working Group.

These guidelines and principles should help you form a solid foundation for your project. But there is plenty more reading you can do. Seek the information out there to help you with your tree planting scheme. Reading up on agroforestry, forest gardening, agroecology, and forest ecosystems, in general, will help, as you will be fully informed about the climate and conditions in your bioregion. The design principles of permaculture may also help you develop a framework for your project.

Planting trees, whether on a large or small scale, can be an important step in forging a sustainable future for our planet and for humanity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Tree Planting Projects Around the World

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the popular saying goes, "trees are the lungs of our planet." They are a vital part of forest and woodland ecosystems and play a big role in our food-producing systems. Unfortunately, there's a growing global problem of tree felling and deforestation. Thankfully, tree planting projects are springing up across the globe.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
UP IN THE GARDEN AND DOWN IN THE DIRT read aloud | Kids Education & Science about bugs & gardening

# data[].attributes.body
Check out this link

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As we all face these unpredictable times, our friends at KidsGardening created and shared these 'tried and true' plant-based activities that are joyful for any age and don't involve any screen time. The national nonprofit reaches close to half of a million educators, parents and volunteers with free online gardening educational resources and activities.

According to a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, active interaction (like touching and smelling) with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. Outdoor time in nature is equally powerful for restoring a sense of well-being and balance. KidsGardening sees firsthand the positive and life-changing experiences plants and gardening brings to children.

Here are the Top 10 recommended Kids Gardening activities by Sarah Pounders of KidsGardening:

1. Kitchen Scrap Gardening: Help the planet and clean up your kitchen, this one is a great way to think about where your food comes from.

2. Seed Viewer: There are many different ways to explore plants with simple dried beans from the soup grocery store aisle.

3. Plant People: Create your own "chia pet" family.

4. Grow Your Own Salad: We bet you won't stop doing this activity as kids who grow edibles are more likely to eat them. Adults too!

5. Pressed Flowers: Save beautiful spring blooms for future crafts. Pressed flowers provide a base for numerous projects and gifts.

6. Leaf and Flower Prints: Engage those high energy kids with this fun craft that uses a mallet.

7. Make More Plants from Houseplants: Houseplants make great gifts and what a great 'giving' activity or to ensure more rooms have the benefit of houseplants.

8. Hydroponics: Ever wonder how hydroponics really work? All that's needed is a cup with a cover, water, and seeds.

9. Garden Scavenger Hunt: Turn garden exploration into a game! You can even have prizes for those competitive family members.

10. Soil Art: No paint on hand, no problem. With a little glue and water, soil can inspire creative artwork.

If you're looking for additional ideas, KidsGardening has even more lesson plans, garden activities, and garden basics. Or look to additional kids gardening inspiration from NGB - Butterfly Gardening for Children and Kids, Gardens & Games.
About KidsGardening
Gardening changes and improves kids' lives, their communities, and the planet. KidsGardening has been a leader in the youth gardening movement since launching the Youth Garden Grant in 1982, the first and longest-running program of its kind. As a national nonprofit, they inspire and support garden educators, volunteers, and families by offering grants, original educational resources, and by creating a community of dedicated youth garden advocates. Garden-based learning improves nutritional attitudes and educational outcomes, enhances social and emotional learning, and gives rise to environmental stewardship in youth across the country.

NGB is a proud supporter of KidsGardening.org. We thank them for the above tips. Please credit KidsGardening and National Garden Bureau when using all or parts of this article.

Try growing bean seeds with kids. Bean seeds are larger for small hands and they are very quick to germinate when kept moist.
Feel free to use these graphics to share these easy kids gardening activities: "This post is provided as an educational/inspirational service of the National Garden Bureau and our members. Please credit and link to National Garden Bureau when using all or parts of this article."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As we all face these unpredictable times, our friends at KidsGardening created and shared these 'tried and true' plant-based activities that are joyful for any age and don't involve any screen time. The national nonprofit reaches close to half of a million educators, parents and volunteers with free online gardening educational resources and activities.

# data[].attributes.body
Watch this video over a Wildflower Habitat Project

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wildflower Habitat Project With Seed Bombs

# data[].attributes.body
Check out this link on ideas for grow projects.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
These simple garden projects are a great way to get the kids outside, entertained and away from the TV or computer screen. All of the activities are suitable for children of primary school age, but it's easy to tailor them to suit older or younger kids. Little ones will need a bit of extra help and guidance, while the more grown up can be given planning and decision-making responsibilities, and the use of tools such as hand drills and shears.

Browse our suggestions for garden projects for children, below.

Pot up colourful containers

These instant container displays are easy to plant and will quickly fill the space allocated to them. Let your kids choose plants from the seasonal displays at the garden centre, then use a cheerful pot to match. Choose either a coloured plastic pot or paint a terracotta pot with a brightly coloured paint - if your kids are old enough they could help with this. Ensure there are drainage holes in the base, then add multi-purpose compost until it's two-thirds full. Remove the plants from their pots and place them on the compost - arrange into an attractive display. Fill in around the roots with more compost and firm in well. Water the plants in and place the pot in a sheltered, sunny spot. Continue to water regularly over summer and pinch off faded flowers to encourage more to grow.

Fairy garden

Help children create an enchanted garden at the base of a tree or in a hollow in the ground. Kids will love collecting stones for paths and twigs for fences, and you could add ferns and other small plants around the trunk. Help little ones to tie ribbons to branches and make a fairy door for a tree or wall by decorating a piece of cardboard or the lid of an ice-cream tub.

Twig teepee

Encourage your kids to build an adult-free space, using branches stacked against a wall, fence or tree. Help them arrange the branches to make walls that are dense so they provide privacy and with an opening that's just wide enough for them to crawl through. Older children will enjoy designing the den and could try building a freestanding one too.

Make a bug box

This simple bug box project just requires an open-fronted box - the kids can run around the garden for the materials to fill it with. A drilled log may provide a home for solitary bees, while stacks of pine cones, stones, broken pots, twigs and dried grass can be added to attract ladybirds, woodlice and, if you're lucky, the odd mouse or toad.

Collect seeds

Plants and crops are bursting into flower everywhere at this time of year. If you allow a few to go to seed, children can have fun spotting them in the garden and collecting them for sowing next year. Show them how to burst seedpods and shake seeds from ripe seedheads. They can then have fun designing and making paper seed packets to store them in.

Create a glass jar terrarium

Glass jar gardens are the perfect size for little hands. Let your children select an array of succulents from the garden centre. Place gravel in the base of a large jar, top with a layer of compost, and then lower in the plants and arrange into a display. Firm in with fingers or a pencil. Add a little water, plus a layer of gravel to hold in the moisture. Stand the jar on a bright indoor windowsill.

Grow micro-greens

Micro-leaves are all the rage and kids will love growing, and hopefully eating, them too. You don't need special micro-leaf seeds - just use seeds of any veg with edible leaves, such as basil, broccoli or spinach. Choose any container, from plastic cups, yoghurt pots or biodegradable pots - all the better if you can draw a smiley face on them. Fill your pots almost to the top with compost - just leave a little gap to make watering easier. Scatter the veg or herb seeds thinly across the surface, then cover with a little compost. Water to dampen the compost, then check them regularly to make sure it doesn't dry out. Then simply place the pots on an indoor windowsill to grow. To harvest the microgreens, simply snip them off at the base. Alternatively, wait until they have a pair of true leaves then cut off just these, and you may get a couple of harvests.

Create a succulent plant display

Succulents planted in a pot look good for months on end and require very little maintenance. Let them choose the plants they want to grow from the garden centre. Arrange the plants so they're evenly distributed around the pot and fill around them with cactus compost. Top-dress with horticultural gravel to complete the look. The kids can add their own accessories - in this case toy dinosaurs - to make the display more individual to them. This display can stay outside over summer and then can be transferred to a bedroom windowsill in autumn, providing interest for many more months.

Pond in a pot

Container ponds are easy to make and kids will love getting wet and muddy, especially on a hot summer's day. They'll also attract birds and insects, so should provide some quiet wildlife-watching time too. Use a large, shallow container with no drainage holes, and add a selection of pond and marginal plants, plus an oxygenator to help keep the water clear. Site it in a little shade, rather than in full sun, and keep the water topped up.

Make a grass bucket seat

This grass seat will last all summer and beyond, and older children will enjoy keeping it in trim with shears or scissors. Choose an old metal bucket or bin and add drainage holes in the bottom. Fill it to the brim with compost, firm down and then sprinkle lawn seed over the top. Water it well and leave to germinate, which in summer should only take about a week. Don't let it dry out and, when it's nice and thick, encourage one of your older children to cut it, using shears.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These simple garden projects are a great way to get the kids outside, entertained and away from the TV or computer screen. All of the activities are suitable for children of primary school age, but it's easy to tailor them to suit older or younger kids.