Ensuring Children Grow with Nature to Thrive Today and Lead Tomorrow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC — April 14, 2026 — As The ChariTree Foundation approaches its 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, what began with a single tree planted by two children on Bowen Island, British Columbia, has grown into a global movement advancing children’s climate education.
Founded on Earth Day in 2006, the Vancouver-based nonprofit has helped connect thousands of children to nature through tree planting and outdoor learning—at a time when environmental issues are increasingly overshadowed by other global events, even as climate change continues to accelerate and impact young people worldwide.
With billions of children already impacted by climate change, urgent investment is needed to prioritize inclusive environmental education, both formal and informal, so young people have the tools to understand, adapt, and take action.
20 Years of Growing Hope
“You protect what you love.”
— Andrea Koehle Jones
“Children are growing up in a digital world while inheriting a climate crisis,” said Jones, Founder and Executive Director. “Environmental education gives them the connection, confidence, and tools to be part of the solution.”
Working with schools, camps, community groups, and international development organizations, The ChariTree Foundation supports hands-on programs that bring learning outdoors—encouraging environmental stewardship, resilience, and wellbeing.
Beyond tree planting, The ChariTree Foundation supports a range of environmental initiatives, including ocean protection, wildlife conservation, reforestation, and helping schools build outdoor classrooms.
In honour of its 20th anniversary, The ChariTree Foundation will support global efforts to plant 20,000 trees with children, further advancing its mission to connect young people with nature through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Details on the 20,000-tree initiative will be announced soon.
“I created The ChariTree Foundation because I wanted to give children everywhere opportunities to fall in love with nature—because you protect what you love,” added Jones.
As global climate challenges intensify, the Foundation marks its 20-year milestone not as a celebration, but as a call to action—highlighting the urgent need to prioritize environmental education for children as they navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain future. It is critical that all children have the opportunity to grow with nature to thrive today and lead tomorrow.
“There is still so much to do,” Jones added. “But the future of the planet depends on what we do for children today.”
About The ChariTree Foundation
The ChariTree Foundation is a Canadian registered charity and United Nations Climate Observer organization based in Vancouver, Canada. It supports environmental education projects that connect children to nature through tree planting and outdoor learning programs worldwide.
Media Contact
Andrea Koehle Jones
Executive Director, The ChariTree Foundation
info@charitree-foundation.org
www.charitree-foundation.org
High-resolution photos and a 30-second video montage available upon request.
