Note: In a previous post, Putting a Face on the Forest I shared the reasons we founded Vermont Woods Studios. For Ken, it was all about handcrafted furniture. For me, it was about the environment, trees, forests and wildlife habitat. Because we use trees to build our furniture, we plant trees, over 200,000 trees so far. Our newest project involves planting trees to support Asian elephant habitat in Sri Lanka.
Dr Shermin deSilva is the founder and president of Trunks & Leaves, a non-profit dedicated to facilitating evidence-based conservation of Asian elephants and their habitats through science, education, policy and advocacy.
Trunks and Leaves
April is Earth Month and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating a new partnership we’ve developed with Dr. Shermin de Silva and her amazing team at Trunks and Leaves. This resolute non-profit is dedicated to “Facilitating the Peaceful Coexistence of People and Elephants”.
As you might guess, the forested habitat where Asian elephants have lived for thousands of years is shrinking, forcing elephants to encroach on human habitat (or vice versa, really). Dr de Silva works with communities in her native country, Sri Lanka, to find ways of peacefully flourishing with elephants on a biodiverse landscape that meets everyone’s needs.
Like many iconic wildlife species, the Asian elephant’s forest habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate. We urge homeowners to avoid forest products originating in vulnerable wildlife habitats and we offer a sustainable alternative when it comes to wooden furniture.
Planting Trees to Support Elephant Habitat
We’re excited to support Dr de Silva’s Tree Planting Plan using a portion of the proceeds from each furniture order we receive. The plan identifies 12 tree species selected due to their suitability, irrigation requirements and potential to develop alternate sources of income for farmers who lose regular food crops to elephants. Stay tuned as it unfolds. You can support this project directly at Trunks & Leaves.
Why Does a Furniture Store Care About Elephants and Trees?
Does it seem strange that a furniture store in Vermont is involved in a project to support elephant habitat in Sri Lanka? I suppose, but it all goes back to our founding mission of forest conservation. We’ve had great success with our project to plant trees and restore monarch butterfly habitat in Mexico. Our friends at Forests for Monarchs are now well established and well funded. We want to repeat that success with other non-profits that plant trees to support wildlife.
One Percent for the Planet
We believe every business has a responsibility to make the world a better place. One way we demonstrate our commitment is through our membership in 1% for the Planet. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to learn more.