Carbon Forestry Trust, Inc., a non-profit based in Rochester, NY, held its 2nd annual reception and fundraiser at the George Eastman House, 900 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, October 10th with over 80 guests in attendance. The Trust raised $50,000 towards its mission to mitigate atmospheric carbon through reforestation, sequestration, and forestry management. Currently, the Trust has acquired 260 acres of land in New York including 71 acres in Catlin, NY; 89 acres in Andover, NY; and 100 acres in Grove, New York and will have planted over 101,453 seedlings of Norway Spruce, Larch and Red Pine by Spring 2025.
Highlights of the evening included a presentation by the Trust’s foresters, Keister Consulting, on how they help the Trust care for and reforest the lands as well as a presentation on the science of carbon and how it affects our atmosphere by Charlie Oster, secretary of the board of trustees.
Guests also had the opportunity to purchase prints by Jim Montanus, renowned local photographer. Montanus’ partnership continues on after the event, as the public can also purchase his iconic photos taken in New York State, with 35% of each purchase benefitting Carbon Forestry Trust. The prints feature Letchworth State Park, Canandaigua Lake and Seneca Park, where trees are the standout attraction.
Attendees were also treated to Colorado Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce saplings as gifts.
“The Trust is one of the only regional non-profits in the U.S. focused on reducing atmospheric carbon by buying land, planting trees and reforestation,” says John Oster, the Trust’s Executive Director. “The more land we can acquire, the more seeds and trees we can plant. These trees will benefit climate change and our environment for generations to come. Our Fall fundraiser will help support the stewardship of Carbon Farm #3 and #4, in Grove, NY and further growing efforts in Andover and Catlin, NY,” Oster says.
Currently, Carbon Forestry Trust estimates that it plants roughly 540 trees per acre, equating to approximately four hundred metric tons of CO2 sequestered/acre.
“The George Eastman House was the ideal setting for the Trust’s first fundraiser in Rochester, not only because Eastman was the father of popular photography, inventor of motion-picture film, and a leading philanthropist, but also because of his dedication to the importance of nature and green spaces visible today through his unique urban estate and gardens,” Oster says.
