Penny Pines
(An ongoing NGC and CGCI conservation project)
Co-Chairs: Linette DaRosa & Linda Karpowich
The Penny Pines Project was established in 1941 to assist in replanting burned and otherwise damaged forests. It now plays a vital role in renewing the national forests in California, which cover some 20 million acres, and includes a variety of terrain and vegetation types. These areas of great beauty and majestic stature are plagued by diverse problems, such as fire, pests, and disease.
Our club is one of many organizations supporting California’s Penny Pines Project. Over the years, groups have contributed more than $1M to the Penny Pines Reforestation Program, renewing 88,000 acres of national forest land in California!
In southern California, contributions may be used to prepare plantation sites for new trees, to plant seedlings grown in U.S. Forest Service nurseries throughout California, or to maintain existing tree stands and improve wildlife habitat. Penny Pines Plantations (350 trees on a little less than 1 acre) are important for watershed protection: helping the ground store precious water; for soil stabilization: protecting against soil erosion; and for shade in recreation areas: adding to the scenic beauty of the national forests.
At VGCLJ meetings, a collection bottle is available or circulated, and members are invited to contribute to the Penny Pines Reforestation Project from their change purse. Donations of a plantation ($68) in someone’s honor can also be made. For information contact the Penny Pines Co-Chairs. Thank you to our members who have generously contributed to this valuable project.