Trees for the Future

The latest from The Guardian shines a spotlight on Trees for the Future's agroforestry work. Jon Watts wonderfully details our approach to partnering with farmers to restore land and enhance livelihoods. Dig into the article to learn more:

Rooted in Family, Growing for the Future. Meet Leonard Oselu – a recent Forest Garden graduate who joined our program in 2020 to restore his land and build a brighter future for his five kids. Fast forward to today: Leonard’s farm is thriving. He calls it his “supermarket,” with different crops growing in every corner, providing food all year round. “I am growing grafted fruits like mangoes, papaya, avocados, and other crops, traditional vegetables, spinach, kale.” But the impact doesn’t stop there. Leonard’s Forest Garden is inspiring his children and their community. His youngest daughter brings her classmates to learn from the farm, and his oldest daughter recently graduated from university, starting a business that sources produce directly from her dad’s farm! This is the kind of generational transformation you make possible. Thank you for partnering with us to grow brighter futures for farmers like Leonard and their families across sub-Saharan Africa. P.S. You can help reach more families like Leonards by donating on Giving Tuesday (December 3rd), when our partner?@eminenceorganicskincare?will match up to $100K in individual donations! ??:?Catona Climate

Meet Malick Assane Gaye, our country MEL coordinator at TREES. Born and raised in the rural village of Sakhagne, Senegal, Malick has always been connected to the land and its people. His journey began in local schools near his village, walking up to 4.5 km to pursue his education. With determination and hard work, he graduated high school with honors and went on to study at Gaston Berger University, where he became the valedictorian of his class. His academic path later led him to the University at Albany in New York, where he earned a master’s degree in Geography, specializing in ecosystem-based management and satellite remote sensing. While in the U.S., he volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Northwestern New York and worked at the Halal Shack, showing his dedication to community service. In 2021, he visited Trees for the Future sites in Kaffrine during a trip back to Senegal and was inspired by the work being done. By 2022, he was interning with TREES in Kaffrine, and in June 2023, he officially joined as our MEL Coordinator. His role is vital to our mission, involving data collection supervision, reporting, analysis, database management, workshops, and training sessions. He loves engaging with farmers and witnessing the profound impact Forest Gardens have on their lives—economically, environmentally, and nutritionally. Hearing farmers share their stories of transformation is what fuels his passion for TREES’ mission. Our team makes our work possible and we are grateful to have people like Malick #BehindTheMission! ??

As COP29 Azerbaijan continues, it's clear that transforming agrifood systems isn’t just a goal—it’s essential for climate action. Sustainable agriculture can cut emissions, boost biodiversity, and create resilient food systems that support people and the planet. Farming is at the heart of communities worldwide, touching every corner of the globe. By partnering directly with farmers, we can drive meaningful change—creating healthier ecosystems, stronger livelihoods, and a brighter future for all. Together, we can turn vision into action. #COP29 #Sustainability #Farming

This year, plant roots that connect us all. Together, let’s grow a future that sustains people, communities, and our planet. ?? ??? Mark your calendar! You can DOUBLE your donation this Giving Tuesday (December 3rd) because Eminence Organic Skin Care Skincare will match all individual donations up to $100K! We can't wait to get planting. #GivingTuesday #TreesForTheFuture

This year, one message has stood out: the connections we nurture lead to the growth we need. Together, we’re building a global network—from farmers restoring land in Africa to you, supporters driving change in the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond. Every dollar given, every farm restored, strengthens this bond and plants the seeds of resilience, unity, and hope. As challenges like the climate crisis and social division loom, we’re reminded of our shared power to create a better future for families, communities, and our planet. Let’s make it count! Giving Tuesday is just around the corner (Dec. 3), and our partner, Eminence Organic Skincare, is matching every donation up to $100,000! That means your gift goes twice as far to grow Forest Gardens and empower families. Mark your calendar and join us in doubling the impact. Together, we can make a difference! #givingseason #sustainablefuture #treesforthefuture

The Forest Gardens are serving up fresh produce and smiles, every day. Thanks to your support we’re changing the world one Forest Garden at a time. ?? #forestgarden #sustainablefarming

Meet Brandy Lellou, our leading lady, Director of TREES' Programs ?? Brandy lived and worked in West Africa for seven years as a Peace Corps Volunteer, a contractor for the US Embassy, and a business owner. For the last decade, she owned and operated a consulting business working with nonprofit organizations and private companies on a range of environmental projects. Throughout her career, she has focused on the implementation of sustainable systems and technologies that harness the power of nature to provide environmentally beneficial economic opportunities. Brandy has spoken extensively on water issues and authored articles on water resource management and sustainable agriculture. Today she leads all of TREES' programs on the ground. She works with each county's team to implement strategies and lead farmers to success. When she’s not in the office, Brandy is spending time with her husband, walking in the woods with her daughter, and kickboxing with her son. Our team makes our work possible and we are grateful to have people like Brandy #BehindTheMission! ?? #treesforthefuture #sustainability

When farmers register for our program they’re signing up for four years of intensive training, resources, seeds, and support in partnership with our team. ?? At the end of the program we have a graduation ceremony to celebrate their hard work, food security, reliable income opportunities, and healthy, productive land. The training program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our donors. Learn more about our mission here: https://lnkd.in/gNSvR8gd #sustainablefarming #sustainablefuture #treesforthefuture

Through our training programs, we work with farmers to plant systems that lead to healthier families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for our planet – one tree at a time ?? #sustainability #forestgarden #treesforthefuture