Support Reforestation Across the Indigenous West

Last month, a dedicated group of indigenous tree planters in Pine Ridge put 15,500 trees in the ground, species varying from ponderosa pines, to narrow-leaf cottonwoods and a mixture of cultural-based fruit trees.

The challenges brought on by the unprecedented health crisis forced us to take serious health precautions, and work very closely with our partners in Pine Ridge to evaluate the safety of tree planting amid COVID-19. Our partners on the ground ultimately decided that by taking proper safety precautions and working closely with the Oglala Sioux Tribe(OST) government, it was possible to get the tree seedlings in the ground in a safe way. With the approval and partnership of the Tribal government, we were able to deliver seedlings to Red Cloud Renewable in early May. The tree planting crew successfully planted pines across OST lands in areas such as Porcupine Butte and the hills of the Wakpamni district. Planting of cottonwoods and fruit-bearing trees also took place in more communal riparian green areas where locals will be able to harvest fruits from trees soon. We also delivered 300 cottonwoods and fruit trees to Rebel Earth Farms, our newest partner located in Martin, SD, to support their indigenous-led food sovereignty efforts on Pine Ridge. You can read more about this new partnership in our recent spring newsletter here.

In accordance with travel restrictions, TWP limited travel of staff to Pine Ridge exclusively to deliver seedlings, so the documentary mentioned in the previous report has been postponed to 2021. However, we are already taking this time away from the field to plan bigger for next season! We are keeping a close eye and in frequent contact with our Tribal partners in New Mexico for the upcoming planting in August, and will likely have to limit travel there as well to ensure the safety of the local indigenous community. However, your ongoing support of this project is making it possible for Tribal members who have been affected by COVID to both generate income during this difficult time, and develop strategies to combat food insecurity and climate change.

Thank you for all that you do!