70,000 Trees Will Be Planted in Jackson-Washington State Forest With Funds Provided by the Arbor Day Foundation

Nebraska City, Neb. (March 25, 2009) – The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry will plant 70,000 trees in Jackson-Washington State Forest with funds provided by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The 70,000 trees will help convert wetland crop fields back to native forest wetlands areas. This project will allow the Indiana Division of Forestry to continue its mission of restoring converted lands back to its original forests. Six species of oak and black walnut trees will be planted in Jackson-Washington State Forest.

The Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit tree-planting organization in the United States, with nearly one million members. The Foundation plants and distributes more than 10 million trees each year.

"Thanks to the generosity of our members and great partners and friends, we are able to work with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry on this project of converting land back to its native forest," said Dan Lambe, vice president of programs for the Arbor Day Foundation. "These trees will provide vital habitat for wildlife, and help clean the air and water for the people living in Indiana."

Jackson-Washington State Forest is located near Brownstown in southern Indiana. The forest covers nearly 18,000 acres.

"Restoring areas that were once forested is a critical part of the sustainable management of Indiana's forest resources," said John Seifert, State Forester. "These trees will provide wildlife habitat and certified lumber to future generations. Three planting is one of the best investments we can make in environmental stewardship. We are pleased to be able to partner with the Arbor Day Foundation in this tree-planting project at Jackson-Washington State Forest."

This year, the Arbor Day Foundation is working with partners to plant trees in more than 10 states and territories in the United States.

Since 1989, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked with the U.S. Forest Service to plant trees in America's national forests. Since then, the Foundation has helped to plant more than 12 million trees in national forests that have been devastated by wildfire, insects and disease.

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About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.