Forest Restoration
Bringing forests back following land abandonment is a complicated task. Often, the land has been used intensively (e.g. cattle grazing) and for such prolonged timeframes (>50 years) that primary forests that once existed might never return if left alone. Planted forests do not have a comparable degree of biodiversity or the structural complexity of an old growth forest. Birds have fewer trees good for nesting, epiphytes, plants growing on other plants, are absent and decaying deadwood is far from the necessary amount for ecosystem sustainability. Some wildlife populations have been driven to local extinction. In fact, many species associated with old growth primary forests are still missing from these traditionally restored ones. By focusing on restoring the missing biodiversity and the old-growth inter-species interactions, we will restore stability to the ecosystem.
Trees and forests are ideally positioned to create jobs where they are needed most: in urban neighborhoods and rural communities. SEEDseller has developed new efforts through our flagship forest restoration programs with local communities and our partner groups to create new economic opportunities. Learn more.
Ecologically-driven Restoration
Our ecologically-driven forest restoration efforts aim to create biodiverse & ecologically self-sustaining forest ecosystems while testing methods for holistic restoration. With our passionate, hard-working staff along with students, volunteers and visitors, we have planted many native trees representing many different species, grown from hand-collected seeds raised in our on-site nursery designed to restore degraded habitats.
What kinds of trees should I plant?
Whether you are full-scale reforesting or simply greening your neighborhood, the first question many of us ask when we think about planting is, what kind of trees should I plant? You will need to find the best trees for your local area. Here are some resources in our website that will help you find this information. Many plant species in India are of good economic use. In Kerala state itself there are 117 species used for soft wood purposes, 146 species for extraction of tannin, 29 species for latex, 111 species for gum, 65 species for resin and 284 species for oil. 1170 species are used medicinally. About 1,000 species are used basketry, green manure and other uses. We encourage you to review the information about the plant species mentioned in our website.
Before you get started you should investigate options for planting sites and types of trees you need. You will need to know all about the best tree species for your area; optimal planting times; and how to care for your trees. To identify appropriate local native tree species, we recommend you connect with your local forest service, or nursery and ask for a list of local tree species that are appropriate for your planting purpose. We have a variety of resources listed later in this website.
We've listed details of many commercially important plant species in our website. You could also check out existing tree planting groups in your area who may be happy to share their expertise and knowledge. If you have other resources that you would like to add to this list, please leave a comment below on Pages, or visit our forums.
Why SEEDseller?
At SEEDseller we inspire and advances the conservation of forests, which are essential to life. We do this by helping communities restoring threatened forest ecosystems while meeting the needs of the communities that rely on them, promoting and expanding urban forests, and increasing understanding of the importance of forests. We value collaboration by sharing what we know and seeking opportunities to work with others who share our desire to practice ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry. In doing so, we hope to develop best practices towards fostering healthy tropical ecosystems and sharing solutions locally and internationally.
We all intuitively know that being in nature makes us feel connected, alive, joyful, part of something greater, and more and more research is showing just how important having access to the natural world is for our health and wellbeing. But despite our reverence for nature, there is a reality that we all must face: that the natural world is in jeopardy.
We are passionate about making a difference with our work. We are supporting agro-forestry initiatives that transforms lives of farmers and their landscapes, through intercropping or growing a grove. We encourage the farmers to plant ecologically and economically beneficial, native or naturalized trees.
We are committed to:
With our staff, members, and partners collaborate to:
- Determining key areas for restoration & habitat migration
- Increasing species diversity by making forests more complex
- Promoting our ideas through education and storytelling
- Building public awareness about decisions that impact restoration efforts
Each of us has an individual and collective responsibility to reforest our planet: to protect our one and only home and all that we know to be sacred. Strategic tree planting takes carbon out of the atmosphere and helps mitigate the impacts of climate change, and we are calling all of you to stand with us. Together we can make a better world for future generations.