Activist Corner

Editor’s Note

As the days become shorter and a new year approaches, we look back on 2021 as a year of revitalized activism and community engagement for protection and restoration of climate-resilient, healthy ecosystems in the redwoods region. We also reflect with gratitude on the great feedback we received for our summer issue, which celebrated Trees Foundation’s 30th Anniversary. Our supportive community is truly what keeps us going—thank you!

We are delighted to announce that our Mateel Conservation Context Map—an ongoing project at Trees Foundation for 23 years—has now moved online at treesfoundation.org/map. The printed version of the map has already served as a powerful organizing tool—helping win a lawsuit to protect McCoy Creek; boosting local support for the Thompson wilderness bill, which became law in 2006; spurring interest in Eel River Recovery Project in its early days; and uniting locals to organize for fire protection and to reopen Standish Hickey State Recreation Area when the state closed it in 2011 (see page 7). As this ever-evolving map moves online, we look forward to hearing your feedback, and discovering what protection and restoration efforts it will aid next.

In this issue we also celebrate the many grassroots conservation, restoration, and environmental education projects that the Cereus Fund of Trees Foundation continues to empower. We are very grateful for the Cereus Fund and all our donors!

As you dive into the wisdom and inspiration contained within these pages from partner groups we are honored to serve, please remember to share it with friends. All of these stories can be found on our website, along with an option to subscribe and receive each issue in your mailbox. Please spread the word, donate, and get involved. Let’s keep organizing!

Thank you,

Jeri Fergus, Mona Provisor, Kerry Reynolds

Trees Foundation Collective