My favorite TreeUtah experience this year was my very first tree planting event. I came in with curiosity and left with a deep sense of connection. That day, I planted 22 trees, each one by hand, and took photos with all of them.
It might sound unusual, but those pictures mean something to me. They carry the latitude and longitude of each tree, so in a real sense, I know where they are. I can always find them again. That makes the experience feel ongoing rather than finished.
I have always loved volunteering, so the physical work came easily. What stood out to me most was the meaning behind it. This wasn’t just about planting trees; it was about restoration, responsibility, and responding to climate change tangibly. As someone who studies plants and their importance to ecosystems, being part of that process felt personal. Watching young plants go into the ground, knowing they will outlive me and support life long after I am gone, was powerful.
I felt especially connected to the trees because of where I come from. Standing there made me realize how environmental care crosses borders. Climate change affects us all, and so does restoration.
I did meet new people, but more than that, I formed a quiet bond with the land and the trees themselves. Those 22 trees are now part of my story and I hope I remain part of theirs as they grow.
