September 20, 2022
It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since we planted our first memorial trees in a burned forest near Yellowstone. Since then, thanks to your support, we’ve planted thousands more—each one representing a thoughtful gesture: a tree planted in memory of a loved one, a celebration of a new baby, a pet loss gift, or even a sustainable corporate gift.
To mark this milestone, we took a road trip back to several of the forests we’ve helped restore over the years. And we brought our camera. Here’s what we saw—and why it meant so much.
🌲 Gallatin National Forest, Montana (July 2007–April 2008)
First-ever trees planted • Near Yellowstone • Lodgepole pine
This is where it all started. Back in 2007, our very first gift trees were planted in Gallatin National Forest, just about 13 miles east of Bozeman, MT. The area had been hit hard by wildfires, and we were eager—but nervous—to help restore it.
We came back in 2022 to check in, and wow—what a sight. The Lodgepole pines are now 14 years old and standing tall. The forest floor is alive again, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see what those first steps turned into.
Many of the trees here were planted in memory of people who passed away, as pet loss gifts, or to celebrate major life milestones. It’s moving to think about how each tree here carries a story.
🌲 Plumas National Forest, California (December 2008–March 2009)
Reforesting after Antelope Complex Fire • Mixed conifer forest
Next up: Northern California’s Plumas National Forest. This area was hit by the Antelope Complex Fire, which left large patches of forest bare. We planted a diverse mix of trees here—white fir, Jeffrey pine, incense cedar, and sugar pine—to help bring the ecosystem back into balance.
These species were selected not just for their resilience but also for their benefits to local wildlife. Many of the trees planted in Plumas were earth friendly gifts and sustainable corporate gifts from businesses wanting to give back.
Seeing the variety of trees thriving here today reminds us how important it is to plant for the future, not just the present.
🌲 Shasta–Trinity National Forest, California (November 2010–March 2011)
From silence to wildlife comeback • 11-year-old trees
Back in 2010, this site felt eerily quiet after a wildfire swept through. We planted native conifers here, hoping they’d help restore the area over time. When we revisited in 2022, we saw deer moving through the young forest—proof that wildlife has started to return.
The trees here were planted as memorial trees, to honor loved ones and pets. It’s fitting, really—this quiet forest has become a peaceful place full of new life.
🌲 Gallatin National Forest (Again!), Montana (September 2012–June 2013)
Second round of planting • Lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce
We returned to Gallatin for another planting five years after the first one—this time in a more severely burned area. The mix of tree species helped improve biodiversity and resilience.
By 2022, these trees were 9 years old and growing steadily. This area was rougher to start with, but it’s on the mend. Trees planted here were often chosen as gifts to honor birthdays, anniversaries, and to plant a tree as a gift for meaningful life moments.
🌲 Mendocino National Forest, California (October 2014–March 2015)
Recovering from 2008 wildfires • Pine and fir species
The Mendocino planting was part of a project to restore forestland burned in 2008 wildfires. Here, we planted a mix of Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. When we visited recently, the trees were about 8 years old—still young, but definitely growing strong.
This site includes a mix of memorial trees, corporate gift trees, and many planted in honor of lost pets. For a lot of people, pet loss gifts like these help bring a little healing during a difficult time.
Looking Back—and Forward
Revisiting these planting sites was more than just a walk down memory lane. It was a reminder of what long-term care looks like—and why it matters. These forests don’t just spring back overnight. It takes years of patience, planning, and a whole lot of love.
Seeing the growth firsthand really drove home how each tree, no matter the reason it was planted, has contributed to something much bigger: cleaner air, restored habitats, and a living legacy of kindness.
If you’ve ever chosen to plant a tree in memory, to give an earth friendly gift, or to send sustainable corporate gifts through our program—thank you. You’ve helped bring these forests back to life.
Here’s to the next 15 years—and to all the “tree babies” still to come.
