FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Diego Environmental Nonprofit Reaches 11.

9 Million Trees Planted Worldwide Plant With Purpose utilizes technology to monitor tree growth this Arbor Day SAN DIEGO April 24, 2014 Since 1984, Plant With Purpose has planted nearly 12 million trees in environmentally degraded and impoverished regions in six developing countries: Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania, and Thailand. The organization incorporates reforestation as a means to lift farming families out of poverty, as trees restore land by anchoring topsoil, increasing organic matter, and aiding the soil in absorbing water. These benefits empower rural communities to increase food production and generate income. Communities in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania are economically dependent on the natural environment as tourists visit the area to climb the famed mountain or visit the Serengeti. Fred Kome, in his retirement, has taken to planting trees on his property. He started a nursery when local resources couldnt meet his needs. My intention is not just to create income generation, but also to have a contribution in environmental conservation since I need to play role in Kilimanjaro restoration and bring back the weather and the snow that I saw over 50 years ago, he says. Records from the field indicate Plant With Purpose farmers in Tanzania have planted 973,373 trees in this fiscal year alonea significant step toward healing local land. Plant With Purpose farmer groups in the Kilimanjaro region use competition as a friendly motivator. Staff organized a yearlong reforestation campaign in which groups competed to plant the most trees, even teaming up with local schools and churches to maximize impact. As these trees grow, Plant With Purpose will monitor their success by utilizing technology. Technical Director Robert Morikawa is tracking the survival rate and success of Plant With Purposes reforestation efforts through a tool called Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). NDVI tracks changes in forest and plant cover via satellite images from NASA. Morikawas analysis shows that there has been an increase in vegetation coverage that specifically correlates to Plant With Purpose partnering communities. It takes 3-5 years for newly planted seedlings to appear on satellite images. With the dramatic increase in the number of trees planted over the past three years, Plant With Purpose expects to see an even more vivid difference in the NDVI as it correlates to partnering communities. On Arbor Day, Plant With Purpose celebrates the healing impact their tree planting efforts display among partnering communities around the world. ### About Plant With Purpose Plant With Purpose (plantwithpurpose.org) is an international development organization that transforms lives in rural areas where poverty is caused by deforestation. For 30 years, Plant With Purpose has provided lasting solutions to rural poverty through a community development approach that integrates reforestation, sustainable agriculture programs, economic opportunity through microfinance, and local leadership development. Plant With Purpose currently works in

more than 325 communities in six countries: Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania, and Thailand and has planted nearly 12 million trees worldwide. For interviews, inquiries, or additional information on Plant With Purpose, including videos or photos, please contact Becky Rosaler. Contact: Becky Rosaler Marketing Coordinator 800.633.5319 Office I 760.650.2819 Cell becky@plantwithpurpose.org I plantwithpurpose.org To learn more about Plant With Purposes use of NDVI, read Measuring Change in Poverty Alleviation Projects.