2023 - Vilnius Forest of Children

PROJECT REPORT

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dear friend,

Thanks to your support, a total of 11,600 trees were planted to restore 3.8 hectares of land in Lithuania.

Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversity can thrive.

None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you!

What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in Lithuania. I hope you enjoy reading it and truly feel the impact you have made.

OVERVIEW

The objective of the Lithuania 2023 - Vilnius Forest of Children project was to restore a forest in collaboration with schools and kindergartens within the Vilnius municipality. Through strategic reforestation efforts using four native tree species, the project strives to enhance forest resilience and foster a habitat conducive to biological diversity. Moreover, the initiative actively engaged youth through collaborativeeffortsandeducationalprogramming,ensuringaholisticapproachto environmentalstewardship.

TREES PLANTED

YOUTHS ENGAGED HECTARES REFORESTED

WOMEN INVOLVED

JOBS SUPPORTED

TREE SPECIES PLANTED WILDLIFE

VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED

TREE SPECIES PLANTED

Four native species were carefully selected to reforest 9.4 acres for this project: European white birch (Betula pendula), European oak (Quercus robur), Norway spruce (Piceaabies),andScotspine (Pinussylvestris).

The selection of these species was deliberate, taking into account their ecological adaptability and cultural significance in Lithuania. European White Birch, in particular, stands out for its ability to thrive in the country's climate and soil conditions,makingitanidealcandidateforreforestationefforts.Notonlydoesthis species contribute to ecosystem restoration, but it holds a deep-rooted connection to Lithuanian culture, symbolizing resilience, renewal, and a profound link to the natural world. By reintroducing European white birch to Lithuania's landscape, this initiativeenhancesbiodiversityandpayshomagetothecountry'srichheritage.

The planted sites will be visited at least four times a year to follow the progress on howthetreesaregrowing.Afterthefirstvegetationseason,beforethesecondone starts, the seedlings will be checked again and replanting will be enrolled if required. To protect trees from browsing, individual protections and tree repellents will be installed. Individual tree protections and repellents will prevent major damage from different animal species. During a three year maintenance period, overgrownvegetationwillberemovedtocreateconditionsforthetreestogetmore sunlightsotheycanhavebettergrowth.

SPECIES PLANTED THROUGH THIS PROJECT

European white birch (Betula pendula) - 4,300

European oak (Quercus robur) - 3,000

Norway spruce (Picea abies) - 3,000

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) - 1,300

TREE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION & USE

The European white birch, scientifically known as Betula pendula, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. In Lithuania, it finds its natural habitat across a variety of landscapes, from lowland forests to mountainous regions. This species is easily recognized by its distinctive white bark, which peels in papery strips, creating a eye-catching contrast against the surrounding landscape. The leaves of this tree are small, triangular, and toothed, with a vibrant green hue during the spring and summer months. At maturity, European white birch trees typically reach heights of 15 to 25 meters, maintaining a slender trunk and arching branches. With a lifespan of approximately 50 to 70 years, European white birch is renownedforitsrapidgrowthandadaptabilitytoarangeofsoilconditions.

European white birch play a vital role in ecosystem dynamics, offering a multitude of ecological services that benefit both the environment and wildlife. As a pioneer species, it often colonizes disturbed or barren landscapes, fostering soil stabilization and erosion control. Additionally, the tree's extensive root system improvessoilstructureandfertility,enhancingtheoverallhealthoftheecosystem. European white birch is also valued for its ability to fix nitrogen, enriching the soil with essential nutrients for other plant species. Moreover, the tree provides critical habitat and food sources for a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. Its seeds, catkins, and foliage attract a variety of bird species, while itsbarkservesasavaluablefoodsourcefordeerandotherbrowsinganimals.

The Norway spruce, scientifically known as Picea abies, is a coniferous tree species native to Europe and parts of Asia. In Lithuania, it is found in a range of forest ecosystems, from lowlands to mountainous areas. This tree is easily recognizable by its pyramid-shaped crown, which can reach heights of up to 40 to 60 meters, making it one of the tallest trees in Europe. Its needles are short, sharp, and arranged spirally along the branches, giving the tree a dense and lush appearance. With a lifespan of approximately 150 to 300 years, the long-lived species forms a straight, cylindrical trunk, often reaching impressive diameters of 1-2meters.

As a dominant species in many forest communities, Norway spruce serve as primary producers, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass, thus helping to mitigate climate change. Additionally, the dense foliage of the species provides habitat and nesting sites for several bird species, whileitsseedsprovideafoodsourceforsmallmammalsandbirds.

YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP

The Lithuania 2023 - Vilnius Forest of Children project supported the planting of 11,600 native trees across 9.4 acres in Vilnius, Lithuania. By reforesting this community forest, the project aims to create a vibrant ecosystem abundant with biodiversity, while also providing essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, air purification, and soil stabilization. Moreover, the project sought to foster a sense of environmental stewardship and community pride among local residents, empowering them to actively participate in the restoration and preservation of their natural surroundings. Through collaborative efforts and strategic reforestation initiatives, the project envisions a future where the replanted forest stands as a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and collective actioninthefaceofenvironmentalchallenges.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE IMPACT

Reforestation efforts not only yield a multitude of ecological advantages, such as improved air quality, carbon sequestration, and soil stabilization, but they carry profound social implications, particularly in educating and inspiring future generations.

This project's outreach initiatives were designed to engage approximately 100 children from three local schools and a kindergarten, cultivating a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility from an early age. Ahead of the holiday season in 2021, our planting partners conducted educational sessions for secondgraders,illuminatingthevitalroleofforestsinmitigatingclimatechange.

Equipped with knowledge and seedlings, the children embarked on their own planting journey, nurturing the trees through the winter and putting them in the ground during the growing season. These hands-on experiences not only instilled a sense of ownership, but fostered a deep connection to nature as the children monitored the growth of their trees and celebrated their contributions to expandingLithuania'sforests.

Similarly, in 2022, our partners extended their educational outreach to kindergarten children, imparting lessons on tree growth and the significance of forests for our climate and future. Empowered with saplings to care for, the youth embraced their role as guardians of the environment, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to plant their trees alongside their families and teachers. As the projectgainedmomentum,itcatalyzedcommunity-wideparticipation,exemplified bythecollaborationwiththecityofTauragė.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE IMPACT

Through initiatives like "exchange a coffee cup into a tree," citizens and organizations rallied behind the cause, demonstrating a collective commitment to environmental restoration. The culmination of these efforts was seen in September 2023, as local communities and companies converged for a tree planting event, together sowing the seeds of change and laying the groundwork foragreener,moresustainablefuture.

Forest planting holds particular significance for the youngest generation - our children. True transformation occurs when generations embrace new perspectives, armed with knowledge and the tools to effect real change. Thanks todonorslikeyou,OneTreePlantedhashelpedourpartnersachievemonumental change in revitalizing Lithuania's cherished community forests; this project’s impact will be critical to safeguarding the forest's future and enhancing the resilienceoftheecosystem,andthebenefitsitprovides,nowandinthefuture.

DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT

Throughauthenticandinformativestorytelling,wehelpdonorsrelatetothepeople who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happeningontheground.

PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT

THE FOREST OF SCHOOLS, A PIONEERING INITIATIVE IN LITHUANIA, MARKED A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE BY ENGAGING SCHOOL CHILDREN, THEIR TEACHERS, FAMILIES, AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN A COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO PLANT TREES. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS FOREST HOLDS IMMENSE SIGNIFICANCE AS IT WILL PROVIDE A CHERISHED NATURAL HAVEN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. RECOGNIZING THE IMPERATIVE OF IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE FORESTS PLAY IN SUSTAINING OUR PLANET, SETTING A POSITIVE EXAMPLE STANDS AS AN ESSENTIAL APPROACH TO INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE OUR CHILDREN. AS A PILOT PROJECT, WE ARE ELATED TO RECEIVE INVALUABLE SUPPORT FROM THE ESTEEMED ORGANIZATION ONE TREE PLANTED. ENCOURAGED BY THIS SUCCESS, WE ASPIRE TO EXTEND SIMILAR EVENTS TO DIVERSE COMMUNITIES, WITH THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF ESTABLISHING A TRADITION ENCOMPASSING ALL OVER LITHUANIA.

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

ForestsstandasmagnificentandintegralfeaturesoftheLithuanianlandscape,yet the expansion of newly planted forest areas has seen a decline in recent times. The introduction of these meticulously planted trees not only promises to enrich Lithuania's scenery with greater diversity but also holds profound implications for theenvironmentandecosystematlarge.

Theestablishmentofforestswillserveasavitalsteptowardsrestoringthehabitat of various mammals, birds, and insects indigenous to the region. By reinstating these ecosystems, the project strives to revive balance within the natural environment, fostering biodiversity and enhancing ecological resilience. Furthermore, the newly planted forest will act as an ally in combatting climate change. Through the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, these forests will play a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to global efforts to curb the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the forest canopy will serve as a natural filter, improving air quality for both local communitiesandecosystemsalike.

In alignment with broader sustainability objectives, the reforestation project will enable the creation of more favorable conditions for biological diversity, fostering a vibrant and resilient ecosystem. This, in turn, will support sustainable development efforts, ensuring the long-term well-being of both the environment andsociety.Moreover,theplantedtreeswillplayasignificantroleinadvancingthe European Union's ambitious goal of planting 3 billion new trees by 2030. By contributing to this collective effort, the project not only amplifies its impact on a regional scale but also aligns with broader international initiatives aimed at safeguardingtheplanet'sfuture.

In essence, the reforestation initiative not only embodies a commitment to environmental stewardship, but represents hope for a more sustainable and resilientfutureforLithuaniaandbeyond.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Recreation: The replanted forest area, found amidst apartment buildings housing families, will serve as a sanctuary for community members seeking respite and recreation.Designedwiththeresidentsinmind,theforestofferstranquilpathways for walking, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and witness the rejuvenation of the forest firsthand. With established paths ensuring the safety of both visitors and blossoming plant life, the forest emerges as a cherished space forcommunalenjoymentandecologicalappreciation.

Knowledge Dissemination: Volunteers underwent comprehensive training to serve as ambassadors of forest education, imparting invaluable insights to children about the significance of forests and their role in sustaining life on our planet. Equipped with knowledge about proper forest planting techniques and environmental stewardship, volunteers engaged with schools through informative sessions and interactive activities. Through pre-event communication and engagingKahootgames,schoolswereequippedwithessentialinformation,paving the way for informed participation during the event. On the day of the event, schools were taught about the forest's benefits, tree species being planted, and the importance of correct planting practices, fostering a deeper understanding of environmentalconservationamongtheyouth.

Community Engagement: Beyond the direct involvement of approximately 100 children in the seeding and planting process, the restoration project garnered widespread community support, with over 1,000 children and their families contributing to the planting of 7,824 trees. Each school contributed uniquely to the project, crafting personalized signs bearing their name and initials, proudly displayed at the planting site. Through strategic outreach efforts, schools rallied support, fostering community awareness and engagement in the restoration and conservation endeavors. Furthermore, the project extended its reach to include a youth school, offering transformative experiences for young adults facing social challenges. Their enthusiastic participation in tree planting underscored the inclusive and impactful nature of community-driven restoration efforts, leaving a lastingimpressiononallinvolved.

U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

WHAT ARE SDGS?

Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate)ourimpactontheplanet.Treesareonesuchsolution.

From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting treescanaddressall17sustainabledevelopmentgoals.

“Imagine a whole forest planted by kids! This restoration project wasn't just about trees, it was about young people taking charge. By planting trees, they learned the importance of protecting our planet in a way that is exciting and hands-on, and created a legacy that will grow with them. This is how we inspire future generations to make a realdifference.”

Meghan Danny Global Projects Support Specialist

Marika Luiati Project Manager Europe