Restoring Portugal's Leiria Pine Forest

Renaturing the Leiria Forest

Implemented on Mata Nacional de Leiria, the Leiria Pine Forest was initially planted by King Afonso III in the thirteenth century. The area is a Portuguese Public Protected Area, historically used as a source of wood that was extracted via a sustainable production system that enabled it to be enjoyed as a place of recreation, too. This pine forest was particularly important to the Portuguese as the wood from these pines was used for the construction of the Portuguese Caravel.

Unfortunately, in 2017, in just 24 hours, 700 years of history were burned by a wildfire that ripped through the forest, with only 1,500 hectares remaining intact today.

This project planted 162,500 trees in an effort to restore as much of the landscape as possible. In so doing, it supports the recovery of biodiversity that in turn supports the return of local ecosystem services, ecosystem resilience and adaptation to climate change.

The landscape of the Leiria Pine Forest is characterized by a continuous coastal dune system. These dunes form a plain of sandy substrate with both resinous trees and bushes. Interspersed within this dune complex are small ephemeral freshwater lakes that are filled via seasonal waterlines. This mixed composition, which includes a diversity of endemic species of great ecological importance, makes the Leiria Pine Forest an important Portuguese landscape in terms of its ecological, cultural and historical values.

Before the fire, this was a glorious forest of old-growth pines and other species. It was a place for many nature-based activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking, where various viewpoints, picnic spots — and natural water sources could be found along the trails. The Leiria Pine Forest has been a historically significant forest to Portugal for generations. We are proud to help restore some of that history.

portugal family reforestation volunteers

Engaging the Surrounding Communities

Leiria has a population of 128,640 inhabitants, who still honor the importance of the historical aspects of this area, so our partner wanted to provide opportunites for them to get involved.

Involving volunteers and local schools not only reinforces the ecological importance of this area but also raises awareness about the severe impacts of wildfires. It also allows people to understand the long-term effects of a changing climate on this forest ecosystem.

This project allows community members to feel empowered through knowledge to make a difference in their environment. Trees bring people together in the best way possible, and this project helped communities take back their beloved forest, restoring it for generations to come.

Ecological Benefits

In 2017, not only did communities lose an invaluable historic and recreational resource when the wildfire impacted this forest, but many species and ecosystems were also impacted, and they remain so to this day.

This project sought to help rebuild what was lost in the 2017 fires by restoring wildlife habitat. The planting will positively impact at least 50 associated tree and shrub species and approximately 54 animal species that exist in this rich and unique landscape.

Restoring these habitats also has the potential to support livelihood sustainability and enhance measures that support local fire-control regimes. The restoration of this forest aims to improve the future potential of these landscapes to help environmental resilience and adaptation to climate change. Being adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, preserving this area will also contribute to mitigating coastal erosion resulting from rising sea levels.

Here’s How You Can Support This Project

At One Tree Planted, we want to make it easy for people to get involved and make a difference! This planting project empowered individuals to engage in their communities and help restore historical land. We are thrilled to support this work and are excited to see what the future holds for this beautiful forest and its local communities.

Want to support great projects like this? Help restore habitats and improve lives in regions like Europe!

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Fundraising Disclosures

One Tree Planted, Inc.'s mission is to work with our partners to reforest our planet, empowering communities, and fostering a healthier, greener future. Financial and other information about our charity’s purpose, programs and activities can be obtained by contacting Leila Melody, Chief Financial Officer, 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, 1-800-408-7850. If you are a resident of any of the following states, please review the relevant disclosure statement.

FLORIDA: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.fdacs.gov/ConsumerServices. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH66616

GEORGIA: The following information is available upon request: a full and fair description of the charitable program for which the solicitation campaign is being carried out and, if different, a full and fair description of the programs and activities of the charitable organization on whose behalf the solicitation is being carried out, and a financial statement or summary consistent with the financial statement required to be filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to Code Section 43-17-5.

MARYLAND: A copy of the current financial statement of One Tree Planted, Inc. is available by writing to One Tree Planted, Inc. at 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, or by calling +18004087850. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.

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MISSISSIPPI: The official registration and financial information of One Tree Planted, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State.

NEVADA: The state of incorporation of One Tree Planted, Inc. is Vermont. Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

NEW JERSEY: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215 or 201-504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT https://njconsumeraffairs.nj.gov/public-charity-search-results REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.

NEW YORK: A copy of the latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, by writing to One Tree Planted, Inc. at 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, Department of Law, 120 Broadway – 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10271, (212) 416-8401 or https://ag.ny.gov/resources/organizations/charities-nonprofits-fundraisers

NORTH CAROLINA: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 807-2214 (outside of North Carolina). The license is not an endorsement by the State.

OREGON: One Tree Planted, Inc. registration in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement, sanction, or approval of a solicitation, its purposes, the manner in which it is conducted, or of One Tree Planted, Inc. by the Attorney General or any other governmental agency or officer.

PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of One Tree Planted, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

VIRGINIA: A financial statement is available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218 upon request.

WASHINGTON: The registration required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State. Information relating to the financial affairs of One Tree Planted, Inc. is available by calling the Secretary of State at 360-725-0378 (the toll-free number for Washington residents is 800-332-4483).

WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

WISCONSIN: A financial statement of One Tree Planted, Inc. disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year is available upon request.

CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF ONE TREE PLANTED, INC. BY THE STATE.

Restoring Portugal's Leiria Pine Forest

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Renaturing the Leiria Forest

Engaging the Surrounding Communities

Ecological Benefits

Here’s How You Can Support This Project

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Fundraising Disclosures

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