Planting Memorial Trees and Celebration Trees in California
Planting a Lasting Legacy in California
Planting memorial trees in Lassen National Forest allows people from all across the country to pay tribute to loved ones while helping restore a landscape profoundly altered by fire. These trees serve as living legacies, bridging the connection between personal remembrance and environmental healing. Each memorial tree planted here is a symbol of resilience, working to support the forest’s rebirth and ensure future generations inherit a vibrant, thriving ecosystem. With each new tree, we move closer to a restored California, where the beauty of the forests can once again flourish for all who call these wild spaces home. Plant a tree in memory or celebration to leave a legacy in California.
Restoring California’s Forests in the Wake of the Dixie Fire
In 2021, the Dixie Fire raged through Northern California, carving a path of destruction across more than 963,000 acres. As one of the largest wildfires in California’s history, it left a lasting impact on the forests of northern California. Today, our current reforestation efforts focus on Lassen National Forest, a treasured expanse of evergreens that once provided critical habitats and protected local waterways. The forest’s recovery is a slow journey, and without targeted reforestation, this landscape might take generations to heal—if at all.
California’s Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe National Forest
Spanning the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains, Tahoe National Forest is a sanctuary of towering peaks, tranquil rivers, and majestic pine forests. Situated northeast of Sacramento, it stretches from the iconic Lake Tahoe—named for the Washoe word meaning “Big Water”—to the rugged Sierra Buttes. Visitors flock here to experience its clean mountain air, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and recreation, making it one of California’s most cherished outdoor destinations. However, this natural treasure faces ongoing challenges. In 2013, the devastating American Fire scorched 22,500 acres of forest, leaving vast stretches of land barren and disrupting critical habitats. The loss has rippled through the ecosystem, affecting wildlife, watershed health, and the forest’s ability to store carbon and provide recreational opportunities.
Supporting tree planting programs in California offers a chance to help restore this vital landscape. By planting native tree species, these efforts not only rebuild the canopy but also protect the region’s biodiversity and ensure the resilience of this forest for future generations. Whether honoring a loved one or celebrating a life milestone, contributing to the reforestation of The Golden State creates a living legacy that helps California’s Sierra thrive.
Reviving Lassen National Forest’s Ecosystem
The reforestation initiative in Lassen National Forest is a vital step toward bringing California’s natural heritage back to life. By planting resilient, native conifer species, the forest’s iconic green canopy will gradually return. And when it does, it will once again be an inviting home to the wildlife that was previously displaced. This is critical to the sustainability of the forest as restoration efforts are designed to rebuild not only the forest’s beauty but also the delicate ecosystems within it.
The important work of this project will begin to restore this scorched earth to its native conifer-covered state and continue the cycle of sustainable forest management. Over time, these new trees will create habitats for species like black bears, cougars, chipmunks, and long-toed salamanders, which rely on the cover and resources these forests provide. Deep-rooted trees will stabilize soil, reducing erosion and improving the water quality in nearby Lake Almanor—a crucial resource for both wildlife and local communities. Help us restore our forests one tree at a time, with each memorial tree contributing to a vision of thriving, enduring woodlands in California.