To reduce the impacts of climate change, we need to take action to lower the amount of CO2 that we put into the atmosphere, and remove as much CO2 from the atmosphere as we can. That’s where trees come in! Trees are a natural climate solution because as they grow they draw CO2 in and store it as wood.
How can we use trees to their full potential? Many scientists believe that reforestation, which is replacing forests that have been lost, is a large part of the answer. The Nature Conservancy is one group working to reforest large areas of the United States. In Minnesota their goal is to reforest one million acres by 2040 — an aggressive goal, but achievable with strong partnerships throughout the state.
One of the biggest gaps in reforestation efforts in Minnesota is a shortage of native tree seed, which is needed to increase tree nursery capacity. Partnerships have developed throughout the state to increase tree seed collection. While both the Minnesota DNR and the Forest Assisted Migration project pay cash for seed and have seed drop off centers, there is a need for new people to be trained and to begin collecting seed.
Source: umn.edu
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Minnesota, Education