Leon Villagomez Leon Villagomez

Covelo, CA

It all begins with an idea.

This reforestation project in Covelo, California, came full circle.

After the forest was devastated by fire, a small team returned—not just to plant trees, but to begin again at the very beginning. Seeds were carefully collected high in the canopy, taken from a surviving tree that had endured the flames. Those seeds would become the future of the forest.

What followed was a week of hard, committed work. Thousands of trees were planted by hand. There was only one sunny, beautiful day. The rest of the week was marked by pouring rain, cold temperatures, and muddy ground—but the work continued.

This project wasn’t just about replanting trees. It was about restoring a landscape, honoring what survived, and helping a forest find its way back.

Read More
Leon Villagomez Leon Villagomez

Cone Camp 2023

It all begins with an idea.

Cone Camp 2023 was a hands-on training event where participants learned how to collect healthy, viable cones for forest restoration. The program brought together forestry professionals, land managers, and conifer seed experts from across California — plus a few friendly dogs — for a deep dive into every aspect of cone work, from identifying and surveying trees to collecting and preserving seeds. The goal was to build a knowledgeable, skilled workforce ready to supply the seeds essential for restoring California’s forests in the face of increasing wildfires and other climate-driven challenges.

Read More