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REFORESTATION

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How Trees Help Mitigate Climate Change:
A Call to Action

We are at a critical moment in history. Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality, marked by rising temperatures, extreme weather, deforestation, and water scarcity.

Yet, there is hope—through the restoration of forests and watersheds.

The native forests in our state of Guanajuato have been decimated for centuries, leading to a crisis of desertification that accelerates the impacts of climate change.

In San Miguel, we have an opportunity to join a global movement focused on harnessing the power of nature to heal the planet and our communities.

Reforestation and watershed restoration are not just local solutions—they have global benefits. Forests regulate weather patterns, preserve biodiversity, reverse desertification, increase rainfall, and stabilize the climate. By taking action now, we contribute to a global effort to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future for all.

Together, we can change the course of history. Let’s plant the seeds today for a greener, more resilient tomorrow.

Please scroll down to learn more about Tikkun’s reforestation projects in San Miguel. Thank you for being part of this vital journey.

Each tree planted, every watershed restored, sends a message of hope:
We are not powerless in the face of climate change.

Large scale reforestation and restoration projects are happening around the world!

Reforestation at Tikkun

Agua Para la Vida

Tikkun’s reforestation work takes place on our land and in surrounding communities as part of our reservoir restoration program.

Since 2008 Tikkun has planted over 3000 native, non-native, ornamental and fruit trees on our property, along with cacti, creating a uniquely beautiful oasis and microclimate and providing habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

In 2025, Tikkun will expand our reforestation program and build a new second ¨vivero¨ tree nursery to propagate dozens of new varieties of native and endemic species of trees, bushes and cacti.

Today many of our tree species are producing seeds we can now use for propagation. We have already propagated hundreds of Maguey and Nopal cacti, fresno trees (ash) , and mesquite; all essential pioneer species in our semi-arid region.

We practice Permaculture style agroforestry, planting corridors of diverse trees and cacti between our rows of crops, using water capture canals and berms to support the trees, recharge our water table, and retain moisture in our soils.

Getting reforestation right.

Planting a resilient forest in a time of climate change provides unique challenges. Essential to success is researching and sourcing native and endemic species, designing for biodiversity and climate extremes, and ensuring the survival of vulnerable saplings in their first years through irrigation with appropriate technology. This planning and post-planting monitoring is known as the reforestation pipeline.

The involvement of surrounding communities is also key for long term success. Assessing current and future land use will help communities design forests that support their needs.

Additionally, not all ecosystems require reforestation. For instance it is important to protect grasslands which support their own complex biodiversity. Deserts as well are ecosystems.

However, when deserts are created through massive human-driven deforestation, that is a process that can and should be reversed through human action.

Thanks to the support and guidance of Arboceta Mexicana, the native and endemic species Tikkun will plant and propagate in 2025 include: Palo Blanco, Huizache Tepame, Palo Santo, Palo Totole, Zapote Blanco, Yuca Seca, Palo Prieta, Encinos, Trompito, Mora, Ocotillo, Nogal Cimarrón, and many more.

Carbon Sequestration and Photosynthesis: The Power of Trees

How Photosynthesis Supports Carbon Sequestration

During photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and, using the energy from sunlight, convert it into sugars that fuel their growth. In the process, oxygen (O₂) is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct. The carbon captured by trees is stored in various parts of the tree over time—especially in the wood—and continues to be stored as the tree matures, often for decades or even centuries.

Carbon Sequestration Potential - The Trillion Tree Project

On average, a mature tree can absorb about 48 pounds (21.77 kg) of carbon per year. Over the course of a tree's lifetime, this can amount to several tons of carbon, depending on the species and environmental conditions. The amount of carbon that a single tree can sequester depends on various factors, including its species, age, size, climate, and soil conditions.

A forest with a million trees could sequester roughly 1.5 to 3 gigatons of CO₂ over its lifespan, depending on the size and species of the trees and the local environmental conditions.

Scientists estimate that reforesting or afforesting the world's available land could sequester up to 10 gigatons of CO₂ annually, approximately one-quarter of global annual emissions.

A gigaton equals a billion metric tons. So, when you hear international leaders talk about the climate impact caused by 40 gigatons of carbon emissions humans currently create a year, they are talking about 40 billion tons of carbon emissions.

Impact of Planting a Million Trees

When we scale this up, such as planting one million trees, the potential for carbon sequestration becomes substantial. On average, a million trees could sequester approximately 48,000 tons (43,500 metric tons) of CO₂ per year in their early to mid-growth stages. This is equivalent to offsetting the carbon emissions produced by about 9,600 cars annually. Over a span of decades, as the trees mature and grow larger, the total amount of carbon sequestered will increase as they continue to accumulate biomass.

By integrating more trees into the landscape, we also restore biodiversity, improve soil quality, and protect water resources—making trees a vital part of the solution to both environmental degradation and climate change.

If we consider the global context, where deforestation is a major source of CO₂ emissions, the restoration of forests or the planting of trees on a massive scale can play a key role in meeting international climate goals.

The trees and plants of Tikkun Eco Center


The Role of Watershed Restoration

Our watersheds, which collect and channel rainwater into rivers and aquifers, are vital ecosystems that provide fresh water and sustain life. Deforestation and poor land management have degraded many watersheds, leading to floods, droughts, and biodiversity loss. By restoring these vital areas, we can replenish local water supplies, reverse desertification, restore wildlife habitat, reduce the impacts of extreme weather, and build resilience in our communities.

Please watch these short videos to learn how humans can restore the Water Cycle.

Help us plant a path toward a hopeful future.