The National and California Garden club federations along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service have formed a partnership to sustain our national and urban forests through this program.  Penny Pines provides a helping hand by playing a vital role in renewing the national forests in California.  It’s a conservation program in which everyone can participate.  Our forests are of great beauty and majestic stature, but they are plagued by problems such as natural and man-caused fires, pests and disease.

Members of Gardeners of the Grove agreed to participate in this meaningful project.  We hope to contribute a minimal donation of $68 on or before the end of this fiscal year--June 30, 2010. 

Thank you to the Montclair Women's Club for their generous donation which has allowed us to purchased trees to reforest two acres in the Tahoe National Forest. 

We have met our goal and collected an additional $68.00 through meeting donations and have purchased another acre this past spring.  When attending meetings, please look for our PIGGY PINES bank and deposit your pennies or any loose change.  Your continued support is appreciated. 

Thank you, Lorraine Radke, Penny Pines Chair, March 2010

HISTORY OF THE PENNY PINES REFORESTATION PROGRAM

In 1941, California 's first Penny Pines plantation was sponsored by the San Francisco Sports-women's Association. Recognizing the great need to restore these devastated areas, the association sent their donation to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in northern California . Since that contribution, the number of participating groups and individuals has grown each year. They include such organizations as the Garden and Women's Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, civic and sportsmen's clubs, and many others.

Over the years these groups have contributed more than a million dollars to the Penny Pines Reforestation Program. Through these donations, more than 27 million of seedlings have been planted, renewing 88,000 acres of national forest land in California --truly an outstanding achievement. In southern California , contributions may be used to prepare plantation sites for new trees or planting seedlings grown in Forest Service nurseries throughout California . Seedlings are grown from local seeds and acorns, and replanted near the areas where the seeds were collected to improve their chance of survival. The funds may also be used to maintain existing tree stands and improve wildlife habitat. Plantations are important for watershed protection, soil stabilization and shade for recreation areas. Any of these activities may be funded through Penny Pines donations. The Penny Pines Reforestation Program plays a vital role both in renewing the national forests in California , and in multiple-use management. Trees help the ground store precious water, protect against soil erosion, and add to the scenic beauty of the national forests.