Firetruck for re-foresters

Read below to find out what we do, who we are and how we will use the money! We are Moulin des Arbres. What we do: We collect, we plant, we restore! We are a French, non-profit, tree-planting association that is reforesting areas in the southeast of France. Fires and tree cutting have caused considerable damage to the forests around our village. We work on private as wel as public lands, but we are always expanding to new areas in the region. With our team of volunteers, we collect seeds, we grow saplings from the seeds, we prepare the soil for planting the saplings and then continuously maintain the plantations. In summer and winter months our team consists of 1 - 3 volunteers, which can extend to up to 10 volunteers in the autumn, because that is when planting season begins. The main tree variety we plant are the local green oaks and pine trees. These trees survive really well despite the dry weather. They managed to adapt, which means they will survive well into the future! We believe in the power of community, transfer of skills and knowledge for the purpose of forest preservation. It is important for us to show how to join forces for a good purpose. Offering guidance to passionate volunteers is an essential part of Erics mission, to leave behind something that lasts. He wants to inspire the younger generations to cultivate a closer and more respectable relationship with nature. Who we are: Moulin des Arbres was founded by the American artist Eric Lansdown. Over 30 years ago he left his life in the United States behind and moved to France for love! In 2014 he ended up in Gabian. While on hikes with his dog Max, he noticed the bare, treeless hills, that were severely affected by deforestation. But he also noticed something else: little acorns, sprouting on the ground! And so, he decided to help it along. After some time, he became more and more invested in his little project. Eric did some research and learned all he could about tree planting. He used this information to figure out ways, to give the acorns the best chances of becoming big healthy oak trees. With some trial and error, he succeeded to drastically improve their survival rates. And now, a couple of years later, the project isn't so little anymore! In 2020 it became an official association with volunteers year round, who help him reforest the area. Eric says he founded Moulin des Arbres because, “I want to pass on my knowledge and help make it better for when I’m gone, pay it forward as they say". Our international community shares languages, cultures and stories from around the world, as we learn how to preserve the forest. Together, we get a lot of work done. In a few more years, the landscape will be totally changed, with oak (and pine) trees covering the hills once again. About Eric's art: Since 1973, Eric Lansdown has been creating bespoke doll houses and bird cages, inspired by historic architecture. It funds everything we do at Moulin des Arbres. Eric enjoys teaching the crafts of art and wood working to young people. The younger generations don't normally get the school workshop experience his generation had, modern technology is another world. The international volunteers can learn hand-on crafts while making ecological contributions. To get to know Eric and his art, visit his website: https://lansdown-arts.com/ To get to know the association Moulin des arbres, visit our website: https://www.moulin-des-arbres.org/ Or our social media: https://www.instagram.com/moulin_des_arbres/ https://www.facebook.com/people/moulin_des_arbres/100067687682030/ https://www.youtube.com/@moulindesarbres8638