May/June 2021: Restoring the Land, Protecting the Wildlife

Restoring the Land, Protecting the Wildlife

W

ith reforestation work underway on the Monongahela National Forest, stands of the majestic red spruce native to this area will once again tower above the landscape formerly used for surface mining. And while that is important to the overall health of the forest, it is even more important to one of its smallest residents: the Cheat Mountain salamander.

This 4-inch-long salamander is found primarily on West Virginia’s Cheat Mountain — hence the name — and is listed as a threatened species. Unlike other salamanders, it does not have an aquatic phase as it develops. This animal hatches ready to live on the forest floor. In fact, in its lifetime, the Cheat Mountain salamander will most likely not leave its own 48-squarefoot territory during a 20-year lifespan.

But it relies heavily on the moist environment created by red spruce, as this salamander has no lungs. It breathes through its skin and membranes in its mouth and throat.

“The soils in this forest are very peaty and they can be moist, very wet. And so [the salamander] can actually

persist in that juvenile stage in the moist climate of the peat and the soil,” said Chris Barton, president of Green Forests Work and professor of watershed management at the University of Kentucky. Green Forests Work is the planting partner the Arbor Day Foundation is working with to restore former mine lands of the Monongahela National Forest to mixed red spruce forest.

As red spruce continue to be reestablished in the area, the Cheat Mountain salamander’s habitat becomes healthier and more abundant. This is a clear path to species stabilization for this small forest dweller. And other species directly benefit from this work, including the West Virginia northern flying squirrel (recently removed from the endangered species list), the golden-winged warbler, and several migratory neo-tropical birds.

Together, we are restoring the forest and ensuring stable habitat for wildlife to thrive for generations to come.

PHILANTHROPY: THE WAY FORWARD

Meet Our Team

One of our core values at the Arbor Day Foundation is that “we are positive and inspiring.” It isn’t easy to convey how significant this value is to our work.

It doesn’t only make our work more enjoyable — it makes us more effective.

And it is closely linked to our belief in the power of philanthropy.

Over the past year, you’ve likely seen more than one headline proclaiming that “Americans feel more divided than ever” or some variation thereof. Much of our political discourse has become two-sided — each ascribing the best of intentions to “their side” while believing in the worst intentions of the “other side.” Perhaps, this is nothing new. Political conversations often trend toward such over-simplifications and mischaracterizations if we allow ourselves to get caught up in the narratives of our two-party system.

But such narratives are a disservice to our society and the richness of the American landscape. Imagine the detail and color we would miss if we only saw two types of trees: deciduous or coniferous. If we are willing to see it, America is blessed with a majesty and diversity of trees that is only rivaled by its people.

Still, the problem grows more pervasive. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans who have faith in our institutions is low.

Public trust in government has hovered around a historically low 20% for much of the past decade. The events of the past year have caused Americans to question institutions we once held above reproach. It can make our democracy look a bit frayed and tattered.

For those who want to live at peace with our neighbors and our communities, a shared impulse seems to be to avoid conversations that can turn into confrontations. But this poses its own risk — that our democracy becomes poorer and our institutions fall into disrepair out of neglect.

Is there an alternative? We believe there is. It is positive and inspiring.

It is philanthropy.

Philanthropy is, quite literally, the belief in people. Where political language separates, philanthropic language brings people together. Where political eyes often choose to see the worst in others, philanthropic eyes choose to see the best and watch as people rise to meet those expectations.

Philanthropic organizations are doing the hard work to mend and improve our communities. Philanthropy remains a space where people from different backgrounds, politics, and experiences can work together. And, it’s where we can begin seeing all our neighbors as people working to lift each other up. In short, philanthropy is where we learn to trust one another.

At the Arbor Day Foundation, we believe being positive and inspiring is where trust starts. As a result, our members and our partners reflect the rich diversity of our country. And that diversity has made us stronger. We represent many diverse opinions, backgrounds, and life experiences. But we share a common purpose.

We are fortunate. Our members and supporters share a fascination with the natural world. Perhaps that makes us better at meeting this particular challenge — because our members can appreciate both the forest and its trees.

50130101

Jennifer Moon, Reforestation Program Coordinator What do you love about your work at the Arbor Day Foundation?

I love that I get to collaborate with thoughtful, creative, and passionate people on a cause so near and dear to my heart. It brings me great joy to work directly with our planting partners, share their stories, and help bring incredible projects to life.

How did you develop a connection with trees?

I was privileged to grow up with a tree-filled yard. While many of the trees were too large to climb, we had a small Eastern redbud in our garden that draped over the lawn. As a young child, I can remember using it as a backdrop for family photos in the spring, “hiding” under it in the summer, begrudgingly raking its leaves in the fall, and building snow forts under its branches in the winter. While my parents no longer live in my childhood home, the memories under that tree stick with me to this day. It makes me happy to know that the family living there now gets to create memories under the same tree.

What is your favorite tree?

Eastern redbud – you can’t beat its color in the spring, nor its heart-shaped leaves.

Arbor Day Foundation

•

211 N. 12th St.

•

Lincoln, Nebraska 68508