Get to Know a Mighty Partner: Trees Water People

Who they are: “We are staffed by a group of dedicated and culturally grounded professionals who get up every day to work for people and planet, and to help communities manage the natural resources upon which their livelihoods depend. Local people are at the center of all our work, and building their capacity to improve their own communities ensures local sustainability is built into everything we do.”

Since 1998, Trees, Water & People has worked with local partners on community based forestry and sustainable development across the United States and Central America. Their work has been guided by two core beliefs: that natural resources are best protected when local people play an active role in their care and management, and that preserving local ecosystems is essential for the ongoing social, economic, and environmental health of communities everywhere.

Why their work matters right now:  Designated Tribal Land comprises more than 50 million acres — or 2 percent of the United States — the majority of it in arid regions of the country, making Tribal Nations among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change in North America. An increasing global population places immense pressure on lands as demand for food grows. Hotter temperatures, persistent droughts, and loss of diversity are threatening traditional practices and ancestral ways of life of the 573 federally recognized Tribal Nations in the United States. In addition to food production, land is vital to tribal communities, both spiritually and culturally, as many tribes still rely on the land for fishing, hunting, gathering and ceremony. 

Did you know: This fall Trees Water People worked with the Ute Mountain Ute in Southwest Colorado, and the Pueblos of Jemez and Cochiti in New Mexico to plant thousands of conifer seedlings and riparian species on their homelands. Every tree planted helps protect biodiversity, improves habitat, reduces erosion, cleans water, produces nutritious foods and equips communities to own their future. They are also working with other Mighty Arrow partners in Northern Colorado to begin planting 7,000 Ponderosa tree seedlings in the Cameron Peak burn scar above our hometown.

How you can help them: From volunteering, to buying merchandise and to donating funds, we encourage you to find your own way of supporting the vital work of Trees, Water & People.

Mic drop: “A healthy planet is the best inheritance to leave future generations.”

We’re in a defining moment — a moment where we can choose to be overwhelmed, disconnected and discouraged, or where we can choose to be positive, embrace change and lift up the work of others seeking a better future together. We’re proud to support the work of the people and organizations out changing this world for the better — for all of us. Some may be small, some large. All are mighty. Each month, we’ll be highlighting one of our Mighty Partners and we encourage you to get to know them, support them, and share their work with your friends, families and colleagues. Let’s get to work.