Historically, wildfires have played a vital role in shaping California’s landscape, with Indigenous communities employing controlled burns as a means to manage and shape the environment for centuries. These controlled burns served a crucial purpose in maintaining ecosystem balance by reducing biomass and clearing debris, creating space for species to flourish.
However, over the past century, the suppression of fires, coupled with the effects of climate change and the accumulation of fuel, has resulted in dangerously overgrown forests and ideal conditions for high-intensity wildfires.

One devastating example of the consequences of these changes occurred in 2014 with the King Fire, which ravaged approximately 40,000 hectares of El Dorado County, California. The impact of this destructive wildfire was felt not only by the communities that were left devastated in its wake but also by the ecosystems that suffered severe damage. Without restorative intervention, the scorched landscape has the potential to transform into shrubs and grasslands, creating a fuel-rich environment that could fuel future catastrophic fires. This, in turn, would have far-reaching effects on critical aspects such as carbon storage, water cycles, and wildlife habitat.

To confront this pressing issue, Evertreen has formed a partnership with supporters to undertake a comprehensive reforestation effort in the damaged areas of El Dorado County. The primary objective of this initiative is to restore the region’s diverse wildlife habitat and enhance the forest’s resilience to climate change. Through strategic planting of a variety of tree species in low-density clusters, the risk of future burns can be significantly reduced. This approach not only aids in the restoration of wildlife habitat but also promotes improved soil health and supports water filtration, contributing to the overall ecological well-being of the region.

The species selected for this reforestation project encompass a range of wildlife that will benefit from the restoration efforts. Among them are the majestic spotted owl, the black-backed woodpecker known for its role in creating habitats in burned forests, the graceful mule deer, the enigmatic black bear, the yellow-bellied marmot, the lively Douglas squirrel, and the charming Pika.

It is important to emphasize that the estimations provided for the average lifetime and CO2 offset achieved by the reforestation efforts are conservative in nature. These estimations have been carefully derived by Evertreen, drawing upon the expertise of external consultants and incorporating insights from a variety of sources, including scientific papers, articles, and comparable platforms. By adopting a cautious approach to these estimations, Evertreen ensures that the potential environmental benefits of the project are accurately represented, fostering transparency and accountability in measuring its impact.