Message From Our Founder: Carolyn Mugar

Armenia is a gift. None of us in the Diaspora expected that we would have had the opportunity to contribute to the building of our homeland in our lifetimes. During my early visits to Yerevan with the Armenian Assembly of America, soon after the earthquake, I realized the enormity of Armenia’s unfolding environmental tragedy. The energy crisis, brought about by the sudden onset of the blockade, meant that citizens of a beleaguered Armenia, desperate to find wood for heat and fuel, chopped trees down randomly, in many cases not even with the aid of a saw or ax. Unemployment was rife, hunger widespread. It was critical for the Armenians across the globe to show their support. It was the moment for the Diaspora to respond.

This time of intense and immediate need was the exact moment to plant for the future.
Out of these times of desperation, the Armenia Tree Project was born. Our first planting was at the Nork Senior Center and I vividly recall how after planting trees, the elders would gather their orange peels, as compost, to feed the trees. Our trees were signs of hope at a time when hope was a precious commodity.

Now I can speak proudly of the accomplishments of ATP’s dedicated team of professionals and our thousands of loyal supporters -- our partners in development -- here in the US, Canada, and beyond. In 1992, I saw families burning their floorboards, furniture and books for heat. Today, we see a rise in the spirit, the hope, and the standard of living of countless Armenians.

Now that ATP is moving into the mountainous regions and villages of Armenia, and joining forces with many others, we are able to work on a much larger scale than before and reach many more people. I fully expect that in the next decade we will achieve a historic milestone: 15 million trees planted and restored by 2015, the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Together, we will realize this goal, and the rippling effects of our work will become a vital part of the legacy we leave to future generations.

Carolyn Mugar
Founder