How can you help save these ancient trees?

1. Contact the California legislature via letter, phone, or email

The Heritage Tree Preservation Act is an initiative to protect trees older than the state of California (1848) on non-federal forestland, drafted by the Campaign for Old Growth in 2004. With a loss of 97-99% old-growth forest since the onset of commercial logging, the last few years have seen urgent attempts to get this bill through the California State Legislature. We would love nothing better! To learn more or read the text of the bill, visit www.ancienttrees.org.

If you live in the state of California, contact your state legislator and tell him/her to sponsor and actively support the Heritage Tree Preservation Act. Contact your State Senator and Assemblyperson by clicking on www.legislature.ca.gov/ and going to 'Find My District'. Letters are the most effective way to let your representative know how you want them to act on this issue.

If you live outside the state of California, contact:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633
governor@governor.ca.gov

2. Spread the word

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi

You'd be suprised how many people think old-growth trees are already protected, or that the presence of an endangered species, such as the Marbled Murrelet, is sufficient to protect an area. It's not. Tell friends, family neighbors and coworkers about the Fern Gully: Save the Trees! Campaign, and tell them to write their representatives about the Heritage Tree Preservation Act. Empower each other by talking about changes in your local environment, the impacts on your life, and what we as a community can do to preserve and wisely use our resources.

3. Donate your time, money, or granola

Volunteer! Ground support is an important aspect to a treesitter's survival. Rides are always needed, as well as folks to hike out water and supplies. Periodic showers and laundry facilities are appreciated. Call or email us with whatever you are able to offer. Contributions can be sent to our Post Office box, located at the bottom of the home page.

Where does your donation go? Ongoing expenses include:

a monthly cell phone bill -- we have a pager and cellphone bill used for alerting our supporters of raids, for emergencies, and to keep in contact with the outside world through PR and radio spots. Helping out with a donation of $40 covers one month of our cellphone bill.

safety gear -- daily use of harnesses, carabiners, climb lines and prusik cord creates wear and tear. These items need to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure the safety of our treesitters. Also, trained treesitters have to climb in the dark, so headlamps and rechargeable batteries are needed resources

food -- while living in a tree is spiritually fulfilling, our physical bodies require nourishment. We get as much as possible through food banks, dumpster-diving, and local business giveaways, but that only gets us so far. Being given bread and rice is a great thing, but a jar of peanut butter makes a sandwich!

A Treesitter's Wish List:

rechargeable batteries

solar panel

carabiners/gearabiners

20' of 2" webbing

thermos

warm/wool girl clothes (size M) - not all treesitters are boys!

correspondence - treesitters love letters! (especially want to hear from Girl Scouts, Youth Groups/Classes, etc.)

stamps, recycled paper and envelopes