Forest Restoration and Seedlings of Hope
The Children’s Forest Great Seeds Restoration Program exists to restore remote and recreational sites that have been disturbed or denuded by fire, bark beetle infestation, erosion, and human impacts on the San Bernardino National Forest. The program was launched in 2005 and has quickly become a vital component of the ongoing restoration work on the San Bernardino National Forest.
With an arid climate and densely populated forest, the fire regime in Southern California’s mountains has been affected. Wildfires, a normal component of this ecosystem, have become dangerously large and destructive to both the forest and homes after decades of fire suppression. The 2007 firestorm across the SBNF destroyed over 450 homes and 28,000 acres of forest land. The result of these fires is a denuded landscape that is subject to massive erosion, landslides, and land in need of massive restoration efforts for re-growth.
The Children’s Forest Great Seeds Forest Restoration Program is working side-by-side with the Forest Service to grow and plant native shrubs and trees on these areas in need of reforestation.
Under the direction of Children’s Forest naturalists, US Forest Service Biologists and adult community mentors, youth volunteers and youth from the cities surrounding the San Bernardino National Forest are trained in a hands-on experiential environment to complete the necessary forest restoration on barren landscapes. This includes working at the Greenhouse and Tree Nursery facilities, participating in native plant workshops, and working at project sites to learn the complex components of restoration including native plant identification, seed collecting and propagation, project monitoring, care and evaluation.
Youth volunteers collect seed, propagate seeds, grow seedlings, care for greenhouse facilities, plant trees, remove invasive weeds, monitor and care for restoration sites, and maintain trails and recreation sites - completing restoration work from start to finish.
See our calendar of events to join Children’s Forest youth volunteers on a restoration work project.
For more information about our reforestation efforts, please call (909) 382-2600 x 2777.
Seedlings of Hope
In 2007, wildfire ravaged over 25,000 acres of the San Bernardino National Forest. Literally thousands of trees and shrubs need to be planted to help heal this fragile ecosystem.
Through the Seedlings of Hope program, Pine, Oak and Native Shrubs will be planted in the National Forest. Forest Restoration is an ongoing process. We need your help!
Becoming involved helps heal the forest – and people. The nonprofit San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, has established the Seedlings of Hope program to help fund restoration projects to reforest the San Bernardino National Forest.
Proceeds from this program help the Great Seeds Greenhouse at Children’s Forest. In this project, youth take the lead in germinating and nurturing native trees and plants. They help organize and participate in restoration projects, as well as monitor and report on the progress of restored areas.
You can make your donation to:
San Bernardino National Forest Association
PO Box 66
Fawnskin, CA 92333
The San Bernardino National Forest Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax ID 33-0556414.
Thank you for your generosity!
Restoring balance to our forest after the devastating fires in 2003 takes many years requires the assistance of volunteers and outside funds. We want to thank everyone who has contributed to the Seedlings of Hope program. You are making a real difference in the health of our National Forest.
Individual Donors |
Groups and Organization California Federaton of Women's Club Coast Forest Women's Club Women's Club of Running Springs Orange District CFWC (3rd Contribution) American River GFWC Crest Forest Women's Club Eureka Golden Gate District #6 Evelyn Hobart GFWC California Federation of Women's Clubs Hermosa Beach Marina District Maywood Woman's Club Mie Electronics Co. Ltd. Moorpark Women's Fortnightly Club North Long Beach Women's Club Orange District CFWC Orange District In honor of Paulette Meadows Rancho Cucamonga Woman's Club Running Springs San Bernardino District #21 -In honor of Paulette Meadows San Gabriel Valley District San Gabriel Valley District Torrance Woman's Club Town & Country - Santa Barbara -In honor of Orpha Doty Tustin Area Woman's Club Victor Valley Woman's Club -In honor of Paulette Meadows Victor Valley Woman's Club -In honor of Christina Isaacson Walnut Valley Woman's Club of Cypress Woman's Club of Running Springs Poway Women's Club Lake Arrowhead Women's Club |