Hold a tree planting

The tangible benefit of planting trees is, of course, the carbon stored in the trees themselves. But there’s an even greater benefit to be found in the sense of community created—when people get excited about working together, getting a bit dirty, and accomplishing something tangible like digging a hole in the ground.

Whenever people are planting trees, we’re engaging in a metaphor. We’re doing something small with the hope that it will grow and add up to something bigger—and that’s a pretty good reflection of where the global climate movement is right now. 

Planting a tree can be one of the firsts things a new climate group can do together. You can use the time at the end of a workshop or a meeting to plant a tree as an representation of the work you are beginning together, or you can use the tree planting as a first collective action of that group. 

Look at your tree planting as a chance to send a visual message, while at the same time getting some work done and having fun with other like-minded activists. Take lots of photos!

Ideas & tips for making your tree planting visual

• Create a banner or banners to provide a backdrop for your photos. Choose a message that ties things together and fits the theme of your event. Examples: Planting Hope in Fertile Ground, Planting Seeds of Change, Growing Hope, Planting Hope for the Future. 
• Think about incorporating traditional forms of communication (song, dance) that are meaningful and appropriate in your area. 
• Think about using your tree planting as an opportunity to “connect the dots” between climate change and extreme weather. Learn more about documenting climate impacts and how to submit your Connect the Dots photo here.
• For general tips on taking photos of your event, click here.