Reforestation is a new program which is intended to try to save the oyamel forests. The new effort, reforestation of ejido lands in the monarch overwintering area, started in 1997 following the creation of the La Cruz Habitat Protection Project. The La Cruz Project is giving the ejidatarios an alternative they have never had before.

Reforestation accomplishes several things. First of all, it replaces forests on lands which have been cleared for corn and oats. It provides wood for domestic uses. As the trees on the reforested lands mature, the trees will provide income that the ejidatarios need badly. Our goal is to take some of the pressure off the remaining oyamel forest. And most importantly, the monarchs may be able to continue their wondrous journey.

In July of 1997, slightly more than 7,000 oyamel and pine seedlings were planted at one of the communities in the monarch overwintering area, ejido El Rosario. This year, 1998, it was possible to plant 40,000 seedlings. The goal for 1999 is to plant at least 100,000 seedlings. The La Cruz Project is the first project of its type. It is entirely volunteer effort and it is dependent on the help that it receives from contributions it receives from individuals from the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Trees grow rapidly in Michoacan. It takes 17 to 20 years for a seedling to reach maturity. New seedlings will be planted and the reforested areas will expand. The people will have their new forests and the monarchs will have their overwintering sanctuaries.