A Lasting Gesture of Comfort: Sending a Sympathy Card That Plants a Tree

When someone experiences the loss of a loved one, finding the right words—or the right gesture—can be difficult. Traditional sympathy cards are thoughtful, but often fleeting.

At A Living Tribute, we believe that honoring a life should leave something behind—something that grows, heals, and gives back to the Earth.

That’s why we offer tree planting sympathy cards: meaningful, eco-conscious alternatives that express your condolences while contributing to real-world reforestation projects across the United States and Canada.

Looking Back: Three Powerful Reforestation Projects That Rebuilt Forests and Habitats

Over the past decade, millions of trees planted for reforestation have taken root across American forests—restoring ecosystems, providing vital habitat for wildlife, and healing landscapes scarred by wildfires, storms, and disease.

In this post, we’re taking a closer look at three major reforestation efforts that have shaped the future of our forests in the Rocky Mountains and Ozark Highlands. From the rugged peaks of Wyoming and Idaho to the resilient oak woodlands of Missouri, these projects highlight the power of renewal through tree planting.

Restoring Whitebark Pines in Shoshone National Forest (2017)

More than 40,000 whitebark pines were planted across 163 acres in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest—part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—as part of year three in a decade-long reforestation effort.

Project Location:
Wind River Ranger District, Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming

Project Significance:
Established in 1891 by President Benjamin Harrison, Shoshone is the oldest national forest in the United States. With elevations ranging from 4,600 to 13,800 feet, it supports over 335 wildlife species, including the largest population of bighorn sheep and some of the last remaining grizzly bears in the contiguous U.S. It was also once a favorite destination of Amelia Earhart and Ernest Hemingway.

Whitebark pines are keystone species—providing food and shelter for wildlife, stabilizing snowpack, and promoting ecosystem recovery after wildfire. However, their populations had been severely impacted by blister rust, mountain pine beetles, and climate stress, with mortality exceeding 80% in parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These threats prompted consideration for listing the whitebark pine under the Endangered Species Act.

In 2013, the Burroughs Creek Fire swept through more than 1,700 acres of forest. Tragically, the fire affected areas that had just been designated as high-priority zones for whitebark restoration the year prior.

This reforestation project contributed to a broader 20-year effort to restore whitebark pine using science-based strategies, including planting genetically resilient trees and mapping mortality across the region. It marked a significant step toward ecological renewal in one of America’s most iconic wild landscapes.

Restoring Forest Diversity in Idaho (2017)

In a major step toward long-term forest recovery, 21,640 trees were planted across 60 acres in the North Fork region of the Coeur D’Alene River Ranger District—part of Idaho’s Coeur D’Alene National Forest. This reforestation project played a key role in restoring tree species diversity and building ecological resilience in an area deeply impacted by wildfire, pests, and disease.

Project Location:
North Fork of the Coeur D’Alene River, Coeur D’Alene National Forest, Idaho

Background & Importance:
In 2015, the Grizzly Complex Fire tore through more than 30,000 acres of forestland. The severity of the fire was fueled by a combination of factors: decades of damage from mountain pine beetles and blister rust, as well as reduced species diversity that left the landscape more vulnerable to wildfire.

Historically, white pine had been a cornerstone of the local ecosystem—providing essential food and habitat for native wildlife. But during the mid-20th century, blister rust and pine beetle infestations wiped out most of the mature white pine stands along the Coeur D’Alene River. In their absence, grand fir and western hemlock became dominant—species that are shallow-rooted, susceptible to fungal disease, and highly vulnerable to fire due to their thin bark.

Recognizing the ecological importance of white pine, restoration efforts in recent years focused on planting disease-resistant varieties. Early trials showed promising results, but a prolonged drought increased the region’s fire risk—ultimately contributing to the scale and intensity of the Grizzly Complex Fire.

This planting initiative marked the first year of a multi-phase reforestation effort within the Idaho Panhandle. The 2019 phase alone introduced 6,500 Engelmann spruce, 6,500 western larch, and 8,640 blister-rust-resistant western white pines. Each tree planted helped reestablish balance in a recovering landscape—laying the foundation for a more diverse, fire-resilient forest for generations to come.

Restoring the Oak Woodlands of Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest (2017)

Over 400,000 trees were planted across 1,353 acres of Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest in a large-scale reforestation effort aimed at restoring native oak woodlands and strengthening long-term forest resilience.

Project Location:
Salem Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

Project Overview:
Spanning more than 1.5 million acres across 29 counties, Mark Twain National Forest is a diverse and ecologically important landscape. Home to black bears, wild boar, 200 fish species, and more than 300 unique bird species, it also shelters 46 types of snakes and contains multiple protected wilderness areas. The forest serves as both a vital habitat and a recreational keystone for the state of Missouri.

The forest is primarily dominated by oak species, which are native, fire-adapted trees that support the local ecosystem. However, decades of fire suppression had left the forest with a dense, mature canopy—and little to no regeneration underneath. Without the benefit of periodic burns to rejuvenate the understory, the oak stands lacked the saplings needed to naturally replace older trees as they aged out.

In 2009, a powerful wind event known as the “Super Derecho” swept through the region. With micro-gusts exceeding 90 miles per hour, the storm leveled large swaths of the forest. While some ecosystems are capable of rebounding from such damage, the absence of an established understory meant that many areas struggled to recover—even eight years after the event.

This reforestation project took a new approach. Instead of relying solely on planting nursery-grown seedlings, proven land management practices were used to stimulate natural oak regeneration—encouraging the forest to heal itself through sprouting and seeding processes. The goal was to restore the forest’s ability to self-sustain while reestablishing habitat across more than 1,350 acres.

By combining active planting with nature’s own recovery mechanisms, this effort helped breathe new life into one of Missouri’s most treasured woodlands.

🌿 Help Grow the Next Chapter

These reforestation projects are powerful reminders of what’s possible when we come together to restore and protect our natural world. Every tree planted tells a story—of resilience, remembrance, and renewal.

When you dedicate a memorial or tribute tree, you’re not just honoring someone—you’re helping restore forests like these for future generations to enjoy. Whether it’s in memory of a loved one or as a gift that gives back, your support helps keep these efforts growing strong.

🌿 Pet Memorial Gifts That Grow: A Meaningful Way to Honor a Beloved Companion

Losing a pet is one of the hardest goodbyes. They’re more than just animals—they’re family, best friends, and constant companions who leave paw prints on our hearts.

At A Living Tribute, we understand how profound that loss can be. That’s why we’ve created a heartfelt way to honor their memory with pet loss sympathy gifts that not only express your love—but also give back to nature in a meaningful, lasting way.

💚 Why Choose a Living Tribute as a Pet Loss Gift?

When someone loses a beloved pet, it’s often difficult to know how to truly offer comfort. Words can fall short, and while flowers or sympathy cards are thoughtful, they’re often temporary. A Living Tribute offers something more meaningful—a living, growing memorial that honors the life of a cherished companion while helping to restore forests in need.

Each tree is planted as part of a certified reforestation project in the United States or Canada, bringing new life to areas affected by wildfires, disease, or deforestation. With every tree planted, we also send a beautifully crafted, personalized tribute card—letting the recipient know a tree has been planted in loving memory of their pet.

It’s a lasting expression of sympathy that brings peace to grieving hearts and renewal to the planet—a gift that grows with time and meaning.

🐾 Thoughtful Gifts for Pet Loss That Make a Lasting Impact

Whether you’re comforting a friend, family member, or even marking the passing of your own pet, our gifts for pet loss are designed to bring peace, remembrance, and renewal.

Each Pet Memorial Gift Includes:

• 🌲 Tree(s) planted in a U.S. or Canadian forest in need

• 🖋️ A personalized tribute card on high quality, sustainably sourced cardstock

• 💌 Message honoring the pet and offering words of sympathy

• 🚚 Fast shipping via USPS or FedEx

You can choose to plant a single tree or a sponsor the planting of multiple seedlings, and cards are available in pet-themed designs to fit the occasion. These gifts are a gentle yet powerful way to say, “Your loss matters, and their memory lives on.”

Introducing Verified Memorial Trees: A Living Tribute's New Partnership with veritree  

Replanting Arizona: Restoring Forests Lost to Wildfires

Wildfires have reshaped Arizona’s forest landscape over the last two decades. Two of the most devastating—the 2010 Schultz Fire near Flagstaff and the 2011 Wallow Fire in the White Mountains—left behind tens of thousands of acres of damaged forest. But from the ashes, a story of healing is taking root.

At A Living Tribute, we’re proud to support tree planting efforts that restore these burned areas, stabilize ecosystems, and bring native forests back to life.

Schultz Fire: Community-Led Reforestation

The Schultz Fire burned more than 15,000 acres of Coconino National Forest. What followed was just as tragic—flooding, erosion, and loss of life due to unstable, fire-damaged soil.

In response, local volunteers and reforestation organizations like the National Forest Foundation began a long-term restoration effort. Since 2013, over 370,000 native trees have been planted across nearly 3,000 acres, helping reduce runoff, restore habitats, and protect Flagstaff’s watershed.

Wallow Fire: Arizona’s Largest Wildfire

The Wallow Fire consumed over 538,000 acres, mostly in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, making it the largest wildfire in Arizona’s history. Thousands of acres of high-elevation forest were lost—home to species like the endangered Apache trout and Mexican spotted owl.

Recovery efforts continue more than a decade later:

• In 2021, 63,500 trees were planted near Conklin Ridge.

• In 2019, nearly 62,000 seedlings helped reforest the upper Black River watershed.

• Community volunteers planted thousands more in local post-fire reforestation campaigns.

🌲 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Slim Fire Reforestation

In eastern Arizona, 269 acres damaged by the 2017 Slim Fire are being restored. Crews are planting 80–300 ponderosa pine seedlings per acre, along with Douglas-fir in canyon areas to encourage forest diversity. These trees will help recover high-elevation habitat and reduce erosion across this fire-impacted landscape.

🌲 Coronado National Forest: Restoring Mount Lemmon

Following the 2020 Bighorn Fire near Tucson, reforestation began on Mount Lemmon, where intense heat damaged thousands of acres of ponderosa pine habitat. The Forest Service is now planting 43,000 seedlings across 121 acres, using seeds collected from the local forest to ensure ecological resilience and healthy regrowth.

🌲 Carson National Forest: Osha Fire Recovery

In northern New Mexico’s Carson National Forest, crews are hand-planting ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir seedlings across 255 acres burned in the 2011 Osha Fire. Focused on the most severely burned slopes, this project helps restore native forest structure and reduce long-term erosion risks.

🌲 Tonto National Forest: Telegraph Fire Restoration

Near Globe, Arizona, the 2021 Telegraph Fire burned a large portion of ponderosa pine forest and critical wildlife habitat. A new five-year reforestation project is underway to replant 551 acres, restore habitat for the Mexican spotted owl, and support cultural and ecological restoration goals identified by the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

🌲 Kaibab National Forest: Boundary Fire Reforestation

The 2017 Boundary Fire, ignited by lightning, burned nearly 17,800 acres of ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forest across the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests near Flagstaff.

Reforestation efforts have focused on the most severely burned areas, where tree mortality was highest. Forest crews and conservation partners are planting ponderosa pine seedlings across targeted zones while supporting natural regeneration in less affected areas. These efforts help restore forest structure, reduce erosion, and promote healthy habitat for native wildlife.

Help Restore Forests with Memorial Trees

From Flagstaff to the White Mountains and beyond, ponderosa pine trees are being planted across fire-impacted landscapes to restore what was lost.

When you plant a tree through A Living Tribute, your gift directly supports projects like these—rebuilding forests, protecting wildlife, and healing the land for generations to come.

California Wildfires: A Legacy of Loss and a Call to Restore

In recent years, California has faced unprecedented challenges from devastating wildfires that have ravaged its landscapes—including its cherished National Forests.

Since 2015, these fires have left a profound and lasting impact on the environment, wildlife, communities, and the state’s ecological health. Below is a look at some of the most significant wildfires that have shaped the current state of California’s forests.

August Complex Fire – Mendocino National Forest (2020)

The 2020 wildfire season was defined by the August Complex Fire—the largest wildfire in California’s recorded history and the first to burn over one million acres. Sparked by a series of lightning strikes in mid-August, the fire rapidly merged into a massive "megafire" that scorched vast portions of the Mendocino National Forest, spanning six counties in Northern California.

At its peak, the fire generated its own weather systems, including pyrocumulus clouds and fire-induced thunderstorms, which made firefighting efforts even more dangerous and unpredictable. Entire habitats were destroyed, watersheds were compromised, and air quality across the region plummeted for weeks.

Dixie Fire – Plumas National Forest (2021)

The Dixie Fire ignited on July 13, 2021, near Cresta Dam in Butte County and quickly became the largest single (non-complex) wildfire in California history. Fueled by extreme drought and high winds, the fire scorched over 963,000 acres across five counties—including large swaths of the Plumas National Forest.

Among the hardest-hit areas was the historic town of Greenville, which was almost completely destroyed on August 4. In total, the fire destroyed 1,329 structures, damaged dozens more, and forced the evacuation of over 9,500 residents.

Fire behavior was extreme, producing towering pyrocumulus clouds and generating its own weather. Smoke from the blaze impacted air quality across the western U.S., with effects reaching as far as Colorado and Utah. The fire was fully contained by October 25, 2021, but its scale and devastation underscored the urgent need for long-term wildfire resilience and forest recovery.

Creek Fire – Sierra National Forest (2020)

The Creek Fire erupted on September 4, 2020, near Shaver Lake in Fresno County and quickly became one of the largest single wildfires in California history. Over the course of three months, it burned more than 379,000 acres across the Sierra National Forest, prompting the evacuation of over 30,000 people.

The fire destroyed over 850 structures and generated massive pyrocumulonimbus clouds and fire-induced tornadoes—extreme weather phenomena caused by the fire’s heat. One of the most dramatic moments came when hundreds of campers were rescued by helicopter from the Mammoth Pool Reservoir area.

Despite the scale of destruction, there were no fatalities reported. The official cause remains undetermined, though a lightning strike is considered the most likely source. The fire was declared fully contained by December 24, 2020, after more than 100 days of firefighting efforts.

Caldor Fire – Eldorado National Forest (2021)

The Caldor Fire ignited on August 14, 2021, in El Dorado County and became one of the most destructive wildfires in the Sierra Nevada in recent history. Over the span of 68 days, it burned more than 221,000 acres across the Eldorado National Forest and surrounding counties, destroying over 1,000 structures and damaging many more.

The fire triggered the evacuation of over 50,000 residents, including the entire city of South Lake Tahoe—a rare and urgent measure. Notably, the Caldor Fire was only the second wildfire in recorded history to cross the Sierra Nevada mountain range from west to east. It was fully contained by October 21, 2021, but the damage to forest ecosystems and communities was immense, and long-term recovery efforts remain ongoing.

Emerald Fire – Eldorado National Forest (2016)

In October 2016, the Emerald Fire broke out near Emerald Bay along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe. Fanned by strong winds and dry conditions, the fire burned approximately 176 acres of forestland and prompted the evacuation of nearly 500 homes.

Highway 89 was temporarily closed, and firefighting crews faced difficult terrain and fast-moving flames. Fortunately, timely rainfall helped slow the fire’s advance, and it was fully contained within a few days. While no structures were lost, the fire served as a stark reminder of how even small wildfires can threaten popular recreational areas and nearby communities. Post-fire recovery efforts focused on erosion control and restoring native vegetation.

French Fire – Sequoia National Forest & Kern County (2021)

The French Fire ignited on August 18, 2021, near Wagy Flat Road west of Lake Isabella in Kern County. Over the following two months, it burned approximately 26,500 acres across the Sequoia National Forest, threatening mountain communities like Shirley Meadows, Alta Sierra, and Wofford Heights.

Driven by extreme heat, dry fuels, and shifting winds, the fire forced the evacuation of more than 2,100 residents and destroyed 18 structures, including nine homes. Over 800 firefighting personnel were deployed at the height of the response, working in rugged terrain and volatile conditions.

The fire was fully contained by October 24, 2021, and was later determined to be human-caused. Its impact on forest health and nearby communities underscores the continued wildfire threat facing California’s southern Sierra region.

Windy Fire – Sequoia National Forest & Tule River Reservation (2021)

The Windy Fire was sparked by lightning on September 9, 2021, on the Tule River Indian Reservation and quickly spread into the Sequoia National Forest, ultimately burning over 97,500 acres.

The fire threatened some of the most iconic groves in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, damaging 11 groves and killing an estimated 900 to 1,200 mature giant sequoias—some of which had stood for over a thousand years. Historic structures, including the Mule Peak Lookout and several cabins, were also lost.

Firefighters employed specialized tactics, including wrapping the bases of sequoias in heat-resistant material to prevent further loss. The blaze was fully contained by November 15, 2021, with total firefighting costs exceeding $78 million.

Lake Fire – Angeles National Forest (2020)

The Lake Fire broke out on August 12, 2020, near Lake Hughes in the Angeles National Forest. Fueled by dense chaparral, steep terrain, and dry conditions, the fire burned approximately 31,000 acres over the course of 47 days.

The blaze destroyed 12 structures, damaged several others, and forced evacuations for nearby communities as it threatened more than 4,500 properties. Fire crews battled extreme fire behavior, including fire whirls and rapid spotting, which complicated containment efforts.

The Lake Fire was fully contained by September 28, 2020, but its aftermath left behind a landscape vulnerable to erosion and in need of restoration. Recovery efforts have since focused on replanting native vegetation and stabilizing soils to prevent further environmental damage.

Sand Fire – Angeles National Forest (2016)

The Sand Fire ignited on July 22, 2016, near Sand Canyon Road in the Santa Clarita Valley, quickly spreading through dry chaparral and steep terrain. Over the course of 12 days, it burned approximately 41,400 acres, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents.

The fire destroyed 18 structures, including homes and the historic Sable Ranch, a well-known film location. 

More than 3,000 firefighters were mobilized to battle the blaze, which was fully contained by August 3, 2016. The Sand Fire was a stark reminder of the wildfire risks facing Southern California’s wildland-urban interface, particularly during periods of extreme heat and drought.

Cranston Fire – San Bernardino National Forest (2018)

The Cranston Fire was deliberately ignited on July 25, 2018, near Mountain Center in Riverside County. Fueled by high heat and dry brush, it quickly swept through the San Bernardino National Forest, ultimately burning over 13,000 acres before it was fully contained on August 10.

The fire forced the evacuation of more than 7,000 residents, affecting mountain communities like Idyllwild, Mountain Center, and Anza. It destroyed 12 structures, closed sections of Highways 74 and 243, and caused significant disruption to power and recreational access in the area.

More than 700 firefighters were deployed to combat the flames. The fire was later confirmed to be arson, and the suspect was sentenced to over 12 years in prison. The Cranston Fire remains a powerful example of how human-caused wildfires can devastate both wildlands and nearby communities.

Valley Fire – San Bernardino National Forest (2018)

The Valley Fire broke out on July 6, 2018, near Forest Falls in the San Bernardino National Forest. Burning through steep, rugged terrain, the fire scorched approximately 1,350 acres before it was fully contained on October 22, 2018.

The blaze prompted mandatory evacuations for Forest Falls and shut down portions of Highway 38, disrupting access to nearby mountain communities. Firefighters faced intense heat, rolling rocks, and difficult conditions that complicated containment efforts.

Although no structures were lost, five individuals were injured during the firefighting operations. The Valley Fire was a clear reminder of how quickly wildfires can escalate in Southern California’s mountainous regions—especially during the height of summer.

Ranch Fire – Mendocino National Forest (2018)

The Ranch Fire ignited on July 27, 2018, near Potter Valley in Mendocino County. Sparked by a rancher driving a metal stake into dry ground, the blaze quickly grew into the largest single wildfire in California’s recorded history, burning over 410,000 acres across Mendocino, Lake, Colusa, and Glenn counties.

The fire destroyed 280 structures and forced widespread evacuations. Crews battled difficult terrain, intense heat, and dry fuel conditions over the course of several weeks.

The Ranch Fire was fully contained by September 18, 2018, though hotspots lingered within control lines for months. In the wake of the fire, large-scale reforestation and recovery efforts began in the Mendocino National Forest to restore habitat and reduce future wildfire risk.

Whaleback Fire – Lassen National Forest (2018)

The Whaleback Fire began on July 27, 2018, near Whaleback Mountain in Lassen County. Fueled by dry vegetation and steep terrain, the fire burned approximately 18,700 acres and prompted evacuations in the Spaulding area near Eagle Lake.

Several campgrounds and recreational sites were closed as firefighting crews worked under difficult conditions to control the blaze. The fire was fully contained by August 7, 2018, but the impacted area faced long-term damage to forestland and recreation resources.

Hog Fire – Lassen National Forest (2020)

The Hog Fire ignited on July 18, 2020, near Hog Flat Reservoir just west of Susanville in Lassen County. Over the course of a month, it burned nearly 9,600 acres, forcing evacuations and threatening local communities.

Firefighters battled challenging conditions, including unpredictable fire behavior and spot fires. The Hog Fire was fully contained by August 17, 2020, but left behind scorched forestland and renewed calls for fire prevention and replanting in the region.

Pickett Fire – Shasta-Trinity National Forest (2015)

Back in the summer of 2015, a lightning strike ignited what became known as the Pickett Fire, sweeping through California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest. With dry conditions and summer storms fueling the flames, the fire quickly spread, leaving behind thousands of scorched acres and widespread ecological damage. In response, the Forest Service launched a major reforestation effort. In 2018 alone, they planted over 70,000 conifer seedlings—including ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and Douglas-fir—to help bring the hardest-hit areas back to life. Nearly a decade later, the recovery work continues, showing just how long it takes to heal after a wildfire of this scale.

Bradley Fire – Shasta-Trinity National Forest (2021)

The Bradley Fire ignited on July 11, 2021, near Highway 89 and Harris Spring Road, east of McCloud in Siskiyou County. Fueled by dry timber and brush, the fire burned approximately 357 acres before it was fully contained by July 15, 2021. Quick response efforts helped prevent further spread into surrounding forestland.

Rebuilding from the Ashes

As California’s national forests continue to bear the scars of these destructive events, the need for restoration has never been clearer. In the face of adversity, resilience is key.

Through large-scale reforestation, improved forest management, and wildfire mitigation efforts, California has an opportunity to forge a more sustainable future—one where wildfires are less catastrophic, and forest ecosystems can thrive once again. Wildfires have forever changed the landscapes of California’s forests—but with each new tree planted, we take a step toward healing.

You can help restore wildfire-damaged forests by planting a tree in honor or memory of someone special. Your living tribute supports long-term reforestation, providing habitat, shade, and life to future generations.