People often wish to leave living memorials for those they have lost or want to plant trees to commemorate special occasions. In response to these wishes, the U.S. Forest Service has established a special program to allow people to donate money toward planting trees on the National Forests. The minimum donation for receiving a Plant a Tree certificate is $10. This program qualifies as a charitable deduction for the Internal Revenue Service.

What do Contributors Receive?

After a donation is made, the contributor receives a certificate. The certificate (suitable for framing) recognizes the contribution to the Plant a Tree Program made for -- and has a space where the person's name is added. Space is available here as well to explain the reason for the commemorative event, birthday, retirement, wedding, in memory of, etc. A place is then provided for who the contribution was made by and signed by an official from the U.S. Forest Service. A line drawing of Woodsy Owl planting a tree and an explanation of the program are also included on the certificate.

If requested, certificates can be sent to more than one person. If special wording is desired on the certificate, please let us know.

Where are the trees planted?

The trees are planted on general forest land. They are not designated on the ground as a memorial, but are planted for multiple use purposes. The size and species of the trees planted will be appropriate to the site and will be at the discretion of the Forest Service. The contributor does not receive any guarantees on the future use of these trees and the trees are the property of the United States of America.

Can I request a Plant-a-Tree certificate through the mail?

Yes. Unfortunately, because we can't accept credit cards, we can't do it on line, but are happy to handle a plant a tree request by mail. All you need to is write down the information and send in a check for at least $10.00 to the USDA Forest Service, 811 Constitution Avenue, Bedford, IN  47421.

Include the following information:

1. Who is it for? (in memory of someone who has passed away or in honor of someone for a special occasion: birthday, anniversary, wedding, retirement, other.)
2. Who do you want the certificate sent to? (If its a special event, the persons name and address. If its a memorial, we need the name and address of the family of the person who has passed away) We also need the address of the person to get the certificate.
3. What is your name and address so that we can send a acknowledgement card to you letting you know that we received your check and information. (this would be your receipt) as well as letting the person know who the contribution was made by. Please include a phone number in case we have questions or need clarification.

We would then make out a certificate in the name of the person whom you would like it to be for, mail it to whomever you request us to mail it to along to with a letter letting them know that a contribution has been made to the Plant-A-Tree program in their name and by whom.

For more information contact us at r9_hoosier_website@fs.fed.us

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