Question 1

What makes Remembrance Forest unique?

Accepted Answer

We strive to be your best memorial tree planting option and have several distinct advantages that set us apart: Bigger Trees: Our trees are typically at least four feet tall and several years old in comparison to most memorial tree plantings which are small bare root saplings less than a foot tall. Our trees have a higher likelihood of survival. Replanting Guarantee: We will replant any trees not surviving after five years. Legally Protected Forever: Remembrance Forest will be protected by a conservation easement that will legally prevent logging, agriculture, land development, and other potential disturbances of the forest. Your tree will never be cut down for timber or be subjected to site disturbance. Financially Secure Forever: The maintenance and monitoring of Remembrance Forest will be funded in perpetuity using a non-wasting endowment fund. Restoration and Management Experience: Remembrance Forest is owned by a habitat restoration company made up of restoration ecologists, nursery professionals, and land managers who are passionate about restoring and conserving forests, wetlands, prairies, and streams in America’s heartland. Over the last 20 years, we have restored and protected more than 3,000 acres of these important habitats which have provided shelter, food, and water to countless animals and have helped clean our water and air. We have more than 30 years of combined experience with habitat restoration and land management, and your tree and all of Remembrance Forest will be managed with expertise and care. Part of a Larger Protected Restoration Area: Remembrance Forest will be located adjacent to an existing, protected habitat restoration area. Because of this, your tree will be planted next to a major river and restored forests, prairies, and wetlands in addition to existing mature forests. All of these areas will function together as one large conservation and wildlife area. Some of these aspects are discussed in more detail below.

Question 2

Are those stock photos on your website?

Accepted Answer

No, all photographs on our website are of forests and other habitats that we restored or manage.

Question 3

What is a conservation easement?

Accepted Answer

A conservation easement is a legal restriction, recorded in official County real estate records, where a land owner permanently gives up some of their rights to their land.   This ensures that the land will remain in its natural state forever.   With this conservation easement, you can be completely assured that your memorial tree at Remembrance Forest will never be built upon, harvested for timber, farmed, mined, or used for livestock grazing, among other restrictions.  As part of official real estate records, the conservation easement stays with the land even if the property is sold to another owner. We will provide you the highest assurance of legal protection so you can feel comfortable with your purchase.

Question 4

What is an endowment?

Accepted Answer

Remembrance Forest will use part of each sale to fund a perpetual, non-wasting endowment fund.  This endowment fund will provide money for long-term site management actions necessary to preserve and maintain the forest forever.  These activities will include controlling invasive species, regular site monitoring visits, maintaining fences, and other typical activities necessary to care for the forest in an ecologically-minded manner.  The non-wasting endowment fund will be managed by a third-party financial organization that will hold the endowment money in trust and manage the fund to maintain its value, including adjusting for inflation.  This will be done by following a conservative investment strategy that ensures that income from interest, dividends, and other earnings is sufficient to outpace inflation and also pay for the needed maintenance.  The endowment fund manager specializes in managing endowments for environmental projects and currently has roughly $400 million under management.

Question 5

What species of tree would be planted?

Accepted Answer

We will plant a variety of Midwest native trees and shrubs in order to restore a diverse forest typical of the site location.  This will include oaks, hickories, maples, dogwoods, flowering cherries and plums, and many other beneficial species.  You can select from those options as part of your purchase or leave the species selection to us.

Question 6

What size of tree will be planted?

Accepted Answer

Unlike many similar services that plant bare root saplings that are only a few inches tall, we plant trees that are generally at least four feet tall with a more established root system, which gives them a better chance of survival.

Question 7

How can I give feedback?

Accepted Answer

We are always open to your feedback.  Please email us at steward@remembranceforest.com to let us know what went great or what needs to be improved.  We are definitely interested in learning how we can do better and what other ideas you have that we should consider.

Question 8

Can I visit my tree?

Accepted Answer

We understand why you might want to visit your tree, but this is unfortunately not feasible for liability reasons.  Safe, reliable access for the public is not able to be guaranteed.

Question 9

What if my tree dies?

Accepted Answer

If your tree dies within five years of planting, it will be replaced.

Question 10

When will my tree be planted?

Accepted Answer

The ideal time to plant saplings is in the Fall or Spring when the roots will have a seasonal supply of rain. This will allow the trees to become well established before the heat of summer or the chill of winter, when planting is not ideal.

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