NAS to Help Communities Replant Trees Lost to Hurricane Katrina

Reprinted from the Audubon Newswire

Many of the beautiful trees found on America's Gulf Coast were damaged by Hurricane Katrina. To help with the restoration, the National Audubon Society and The National Arbor Day Foundation have launched a special new campaign that will assist in the region's tree recovery efforts. Through the Katrina Tree Recovery Campaign, people across America will have the opportunity to replant trees in coastal Mississippi and Louisiana, and begin the reforestation of neighborhoods and cities across the region.

"In the wake of Katrina, Audubon is committed to helping restore the Gulf Coast's natural habitat, and reconnecting people with nature," said Madge Lindsay, executive director of Audubon Mississippi. "We are so pleased to be working with The National Arbor Day Foundation to help achieve these critical goals."

For every $10 donated to the Katrina Tree Recovery Campaign, the Arbor Day Foundation will contribute 10 trees to be planted by Katrina victims. Distribution of the trees will be managed by Audubon Mississippi's Coastal Project Office and its director, Dr. Mark LaSalle, who will work with Audubon Chapters and other civic and community groups in the region to distribute the trees.

Audubon Mississippi's collaboration with The National Arbor Day Foundation is part of its overall initiative to promote the recovery of habitat for birds and other wildlife in areas stricken by Hurricane Katrina. The project, dubbed Operation Backyard Recovery, follows many of the themes of the Audubon at Home program, namely that by taking personal conservation action, everyone can improve the environmental health and habitat quality close to home and, collectively, over the larger landscape. More information about Operation Backyard Recovery can be found at: http://www.msaudubon.org/katrina/restoration.php.

To contribute to the Katrina Tree Recovery Campaign, people can send contributions to The National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, or contribute online at http://www.arborday.org/Katrina.