Tracey's Birthday Trees

Problem

Central America's forests have suffered from decades of deforestation. In western Nicaragua, less than 2% of forest cover remains. Without forest cover, threatened wildlife such as the spider monkey and the jaguar cannot survive. Local communities in Nicaragua also suffer where there are no forests. Without trees, rivers and wells have less water and people have little access to firewood, shade, and medicinal plants. A degraded environment exacerbates rural poverty.

The Gift

This gift will result in 20 trees planted in rural Nicaragua. Tree seedlings representing over fifteen species will be grown in a community-run tree nursery. Local people will receive hands-on training to grow and care for the trees. This project will give a new source of income to rural Nicaraguan people. The trees that are planted will create shade, provide food to wildlife, protect watersheds, and restore beautify the landscape.