Tree As A Crop Project Successfully Replants 1,300 Seedlings To Encourage The Benefits Of Local Sustainable Agriculture And Healthy Soils

Top Quote This press release is intended to highlight the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Kellogg Conservation Center in Massachusetts and to bring awareness to the Tree as a Crop project. End Quote
  • Boston, MA-NH (1888PressRelease) May 26, 2011 - The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), in partnership with Rodale, Inc. and NewPage Corporation, cleared 10 acres of diseased and dying red pine trees and replanted with a mix of native hardwood species at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Kellogg Conservation Center as part of the Tree as a CropTM project. Beginning on April 29, volunteers replanted the recently harvested area with 1,300 seedlings over the course two days.

    "The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to participate in the Tree as a CropTM project as it helps demonstrate the ecological and economic benefits that trees can provide when cultivated as a crop in conjunction with local agriculture" said Steve Paradis, Chief Operating Officer of the ATC.

    The goal of the Tree as a CropTM initiative is to encourage the natural cycle of planting, harvesting, and replanting of trees to be as routine a practice as is the production of other crops and one that achieves bio-diversity, economic returns, and positive environmental change.

    The work initiated at the Kellogg Conservation Center is complementary to similar efforts underway at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. These efforts, along with others in rich agricultural valleys up and down the length of the Appalachian Trail, are important contributors to maintaining key aspects of the experience visitors to the Trail from across the country and around the world have come to expect.

    "We are excited to be part of this strategic partnership at both planting locations to further educate the general public and landowners of the viability of trees as a crop as a sustainable option for paper and wood based products for future generations," states Dave Bonistall, vice president, environmental, health & safety, NewPage Corporation.

    The ATC is the lead organization in a vast network of private volunteer groups and public agencies that maintains the nearly 2,200-mile-long footpath and stewards the 250,000 acres of public lands it passes through. Founded in 1925 to direct the building of the original Trail (completed in 1937), the ATC remains a volunteer-based, private organization responsible for the preservation and management of this national scenic trail, working with federal and state agencies and its 31 affiliated local organizations.

    For more information on the Tree as a CropTM project visit www.rodaleinstitute.org.

    About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
    The Appalachian Trail Conservancy mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail - ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

    Contact: Javier Folgar
    Appalachian Trail Conservancy
    Tel: 304.535.2200 x117
    Fax: 304.535.2667
    Email: jfolgar ( @ ) appalachiantrail dot org
    Web: www.appalachiantrail.org

    About NewPage Corporation
    NewPage, established in May 2005, is now the largest coated paper manufacturer in North America. Our company's product portfolio is one of the broadest in the paper industry. Through our commitment to safety, consistency and innovation, we create exceptional papers; connect our expertise with diverse customer needs; and dependably lead in ethical, responsible and sustainable business practices. For more information, visit www.newpagecorp.com.

    About Rodale Inc.
    Rodale is a global media company with a heritage, mission, and authority dedicated to the health and wellness of the individual, community, and planet. Through a broad portfolio of leading media properties, Rodale reaches more than 70 million people around the world through multiple distribution channels, including magazines, books, online, e-commerce, direct-to-consumer, and video. The company publishes some of the best-known health and wellness lifestyle magazines, including Men's Health, Prevention, Women's Health, Runner's World, Bicycling, Running Times, and Organic Gardening, and is the largest independent book publisher in the United States, with a collection of bestselling titles, including Al Gore's Our Choice, Howard Schultz's Onward, Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet, Flat Belly Diet!, and Eat This, Not That!, among others. Rodale is also a leader in direct-response marketing and has more than 25 million active customers in its database. www.rodaleinc.com

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