Procter Center, the camp and conference center of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, is starting a reforestation program.
An e-newsletter from Procter says:
In 1788 Ohio land was 95% covered in forest, 50% of which was American Chestnut. In the early 1800 much of the land was cleared for early settlers, the Great Depression also contributed to this extreme deforestation. Due to conservation efforts and reforestation programs, today forests cover approximately 30% of Ohio.
Madison County, where Procter Center is located, has just 3% of the land covered in forest.
In an effort to provide more relief from strong west winds, late afternoon heat, and encourage more wildlife, Procter Center is undertaking a reforestation initiative in 2012.
Reforestation efforts:
Create management program for current trees
Create “no mow zones” to allow seedlings to take hold in preparation for transplant
Create a shelter belt of trees along HWY 38
Transplant seedlings to the Chapel and Reflecting Pond
They have established a fund where individuals and congregations can “adapt” a tree.