In 2010, the Save Our International Land (SOIL) Fund provided funding for a project on Easter Island. With the SOIL Fund’s help, the project was able to get off to a great start through the installation of test plots. These test plots helped to develop a method to establish an economically beneficial tree species on the island while controlling erosion and increasing infiltration. For those who saw Dr. Pablo Garcia-Chevisich’s presentation on this project at Environmental Connection 2011 in Orlando, Florida, you may know that this effort is intended to help Easter Island’s struggling economy in a way that also will reduce the devastating erosion that presently is affecting the island.

Unfortunately, a winter grassland fire destroyed much of the plantings from last year. The SOIL Fund is planning to assist in replanting the trees. Due to the amount of work needed and very limited funds, we need your help. We are asking anyone interested in assisting in this process and looking for the satisfaction of an eco-vacation to beautiful Easter Island at their own expense to please contact us as soon as possible. If you are interested or have specific questions, please contact Tom Williams, MA, CPESC, IECA board of directors and SOIL Fund chair, at +1 303-229-6062 or via e-mail at [email protected].