Fifteen months ago, Joe and I were about to take a leap of faith. I was recently laid off from a full-time job, Joe was itching for a new video project, and we had become obsessed with native plants and animals in Hawaii. After much discussion and soul-searching, we had a plan.
We were ready to share our idea for a “dream” project, a 50-state tree planting tour and documentary we’d hoped would be a big gift from us to all living things; something that would fulfill everyone’s wishes in one fell swoop. We were ready to announce it to the world.
Looking back on that moment, one of the most emotionally complex I had ever experienced, I remember sitting at my laptop and taking a big breath before pressing “send” on the press release that would write the Plant a Wish mission in stone. We were going to all 50 states to plant native trees and direct our first feature documentary. Were going to start fundraising for our first of three tours right away, with a departure date just over a month away. We had a slightly crazed look in our eyes. Our first planting was on Memorial Day 2010, the offical launch of the tour, in the park where Joe grew up playing as a kid in Monona, WI.
Since then, we’ve planted indigenous trees around the country in 48 states with scientists, tribal leaders, public servants, teachers, students, senior citizens, children, celebrities, politicians, environmentalists and activists. We have interviewed some of the most intelligent, interesting and passionate people the country has to offer. We have filmed more gorgeousness than we know what to do with. (We’re brainstorming a few good uses for the footage that doesn’t make it in the finished film. More soon on that.)
As I write this letter on October 9, 2011, we are on our way to the final mainland planting of the entire 50-state mission. We’re on our way to Lander, Wyoming, where we’ll plant with The Nature Conservancy on a ranch they are restoring. We’ll plant a native tree in our 49th state – on the ranch with local families and staff from the conservancy on Tuesday.
At the moment we are driving through the Black Hills of South Dakota, filming the road ahead with our GoPro Hero Camera (thanks Imhoffs!), listening to 60s-inspired “Spaghetti Western” themed music on the satellite radio. (It gets better: we are about to drive through the town of Deadwood.) Our journey has been filled with magic moments like this. Our finished film will be a collection of the most beautiful moments, landscapes, stories, wildlife and voices we’ve been lucky to find along the way. We can’t wait to share it with you.
None of this would be possible if you didn’t believe in us. Yes, YOU. The person who reads our posts on Facebook or Twitter or checks in on our progress at our website, who has sponsored the tour, made a donation or shared our links, those who we’ve met along the road or gave us a place to sleep. This project may – on the surface – appear to be run by just Joe and myself. The truth is, it has taken all of us. We could never have done this alone, and besides, we wouldn’t want to.
As we’ve come through the last few states, a common question repeats. People want to know how we feel as we get closer and closer to the project’s end (a big finale in Hawaii on Saturday, November 5th).
Are we “over it”? Are we sad? Are we tired?
I have to admit, we’re all of those things and more. Kind of like how I felt when we were about to announce Plant a Wish to the world, I am a huge mix of emotions:
- Nervous, because we have put all of our personal money into Plant a Wish and still have $925 to raise online by the end of the day Tuesday 10/11. (If you can, donate here before Tuesday – it takes 4 days for $$ to transfer via PayPal and even longer via our fiscal sponsor.)
- Busy, because we’re planning our November 5th finale – Hawaii’s First Annual Native Tree Plant-Out event. (You can be a part of it, and in your own backyard or neighborhood! Every tree – and person – counts!)
- Sad, because the tour will end. I’m going to miss the anticipation of having new tree planting events in new places with new people.
- Hopeful, because this is only the beginning.
- Enthusiastic, because we can move ahead with writing our script, editing the film, and applying to festivals. Have you seen our trailer yet? Expect a new one this winter!
- Excited, because I get to see my cat soon, and return to my wonderful Maui family! (Especially my TEDxMaui co-producer Katie McMillan, who has been an absolute saint, carrying so much of the responsibility while I’ve been gone.)
- Anxious, because I’ll need to find a steady flow of income when I return. (Seriously, Maui Peeps. E-mail me with leads, here.)
- Inspired, because we have a few really good ideas for the future of Plant a Wish to keep it growing on Maui and around the world.
The one last feeling that stands out as the biggest and most potent is gratitude.
Plant a Wish has been so supported and uniquely blessed by your generosity. We hope we’ve made you proud to be a part of the Plant a Wish tour. We hope you’ll continue to be a part of it as we prepare to release our film and share the story with the world.
Thank you for making it possible for us to create the story. Let’s keep growing!
Best wishes,
Sara
To donate to Plant a Wish to help raise the remaining $925 the tour needs to complete, please click here to donate by Tuesday, 10/11.
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