PENNY PINES PROGRAM

National Garden Clubs, an organization with which Yuma area garden clubs are affiliated, has a special conservation project called the Penny Pines Program. This project helps the National Forest Service plant seedling trees in national forests where trees have

been destroyed by fires and other causes. Sixty-eight dollars buys a “plantation” of 350 seedling trees.

The public, as well as garden club members, can donate money to help purchase “plantations.”

Any monetary donation is welcome, from pennies to dollars, and all garden

club and garden society members throughout Yuma accept donations that are added to their club’s Penny Pines jar.

Donations can also be dropped off at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Office, 2200 W. 28th St., across from Moody Garden. A Penny Pines jar is kept in the office for the public’s donations.

When $68 has been collected, a plantation is purchased, and an Arizona forest is chosen to receive the seedling trees.

Youth organizations, such as 4-H clubs and Scouts, and adult groups, such as Rotary clubs, are invited to participate in the Penny Pines Program by donating funds to local garden clubs or societies.

With forest fires consuming millions of acres each year, seedling trees are always needed to help replant destroyed areas.