Trees are nature's cleaning crew. They make our air healthier by reducing carbon in the atmosphere. That's the goal of the CRP Bottomland Hardwood Tree Initiative - planting trees to sequester carbon, while controlling erosion and restoring wildlife habitat.

The bottomland initiative was perfect for Ohio farmer George Eberwine. He wanted to reduce erosion and limit chemicals and fertilizers that were leeching into a creek. Since the project required planting an amazing 30,000 trees on 42 acres, a local power company stepped in to lend a hand. American Electric Power (AEP) will receive environmental carbon sequestration credits for helping to purchase and plant the trees.

"With FSA and AEP's assistance," noted George, "I'm using my land in a conservation-minded, productive manner, while moving away from cropping sensitive acreage." Mike Jacob, Coshocton County, Ohio, FSA County Executive Director, added, "This is a perfect example of landowners, federal agencies, and organizations working together to achieve multiple benefits."

Contractors plant carbon sequestering bottomland hardwoods.

Closeup view of newly planted hardwood seedling. George Eberwine's carbon sequestration agreement with American Electric Power requires that the trees be maintained for 70 years.

CRP contract acres just planted to bottomland hardwood seedlings. In time, the crop of trees will improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat and, by sequestering carbon, improve air quality for many years to come.

Tree planting contractors, prepare to plant field of bottomland hardwood seedlings.

Closeup view of newly planted seedling.

Tree planting transforms erosion, flood-prone bottom cropland into a wooded area that will filter sediment and chemicals from runoff water and sequester carbon from the air.

Tree planting contractor plants each seedling by hand.