Invest in Nature

PLANET

Introducing the Empress Splendor Tree

Together with our farming partners, we plant, grow and harvest the Empress Splendor tree (Paulownia elongata and P. fortunei), and market its lumber. To refer to this amazing tree as nature’s “wonder tree” is an understatement. This incredibly fast-growing, non-invasive, non-GMO tree that you’ve probably never heard of, but is considered sacred in Asia due to its fast growth rate and the beautiful lumber it produces. Modern science now affirms its many environmental benefits to the climate, the soil and to the entire ecosystem:

The Empress Splendor tree is also an ideal tree for us in agroforestry systems where trees are combined with crops like coffee and corn, and cover crops like clover. Cattle and other grazing animals can also be incorporated to create a silvopasture system. Its branches are also excellent fuel in biochar production. These regenerative agricultural practices are considered some of the most efficient nature-based solutions for drawing down carbon and enhancing soil health.

We’re working with our farmers to help them implement these regenerative agricultural practices on their farms. They create opportunities to not only have additional revenue streams, but to also greatly improve the health of the entire ecosystem.

Plus, by demonstrating we can produce renewable, fast-growing hardwood lumber sustainably, we help protect our natural forests from further deforestation.

PEOPLE

Creating Opportunities for Farmers for Generations to Come

Farmers are at the heart of our work. We partner with small-midsized farmers and other landowners in 4 countries (the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala) to plant and grow Empress Splendor trees. We provide the trees to them at no cost, in exchange they provide the land and agree to work with us to grow the healthiest trees possible.

We also provide training and advice on implementing optimal regenerative agricultural practices including intercropping, cover crops, silvopasture and raising bees.

Under the right conditions and with proper care, Empress Splendor trees will thrive on underutilized farmland and land degraded by previous agricultural uses. Being part of World Tree’s Eco-Tree Program changes lives by providing much needed income in rural areas where options can be scarce.

The trees will also grow multiple times after harvest from the same root system, creating the opportunity for generations of income without needing to replant.

PROSPERITY

Growing Trees for Purpose and Profit

World Tree’s Eco-Tree Program is not a charity. We raise capital from individual impact investors to fund the creation of Empress Splendor trees and to support our farming program. We are serious about creating real, sustainable financial returns for our farmers and investors from the sale of Empress Splendor lumber.

Many tree species are going extinct, while at the same time the global demand for lumber and other wood products continues to grow. We have the opportunity to establish our place inside an annual $176B hardwood market with sustainably grown, renewable Empress Splendor lumber.

Any profits generated from the sale of our Empress Splendor lumber are shared between our farmers, investors and the company.

After the first harvest of trees, new trees that are generated from the stump belong 100% to the farmers. The land will continue to prosper as new generations of trees continue to sequester carbon, put nitrogen back into the soil, and be excellent companions to other crops and animals.