Launched in 2005, the Children’s Forest Great Seeds Restoration Program restores sites disturbed or cleared by fire, bark beetle infestation, erosion, and human impacts. Youth and adult volunteers are prepared to complete restoration work from start to finish, growing and planting native shrubs and trees.

Under the direction of Children’s Forest naturalists, US Forest Service botanists, and community mentors, youth volunteers are trained in a hands-on environment to complete forest restoration on barren landscapes. This includes working at greenhouse and tree nursery facilities, participating in native plant workshops, and working at project sites to learn the complex components of restoration. These include native plant identification, seed collecting and propagation, project monitoring, and care and evaluation.

More information about the program can be found on the San Bernardino National Forest website, and you can contact us about our local support at [email protected].