History of Seeds To Trees

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In 1982, Cindy Kessler moved to Loveland, Ohio, a bedroom community outside Cincinnati, Ohio. At the time, Loveland was doing a major road upgrade. Trees were not part of the plan…but, with Cindy's gentle prodding, trees were included. Soon thereafter, Cindy founded the Loveland Tree Committee, chairing it for 16 years.

Cindy’s first seedling giveaway, at ‘Christmas in Loveland’. (She later learned how to spell ginkgo correctly.)

Cindy’s first seedling giveaway, at ‘Christmas in Loveland’. (She later learned how to spell ‘ginkgo’ correctly.)

After a child rearing sabbatical from the Tree Committee, Cindy planted some tree seeds in her vegetable garden, with the intention of giving the seedlings away at ‘Christmas in Loveland’. Her effort was met with resounding enthusiasm and appreciation. People told her about grand shade trees that had started as Arbor Day giveaway seedlings. So many seedlings were taken that Cindy planted more tree seeds the following fall.

Cindy’s first display at Graeter’s Ice Cream. They graciously allowed her to set the container on the counter, right next to the register. Counter space is precious for retailers, so displays are now free standing.

Cindy’s first display at Graeter’s Ice Cream. They graciously allowed her to set the container on the counter, right next to the register. Counter space is precious for retailers, so displays are now free standing.

Eventually, Cindy approached Cincinnati’s iconic ice cream shop, Graeter's, about displaying her seedlings. The day after her delivery, the manager called… the container needed restocking. A couple years later, the local Starbucks Coffee and LaRosa Pizzeria came on-board. Soon people were asking how they could do the same thing in their communities. So Cindy founded Seeds to Trees to walk people through the process.

Germinating tree seeds and giving the seedlings away is a simple process that is fun, can be done at home, and costs virtually nothing. Absolutely anyone can do this. Whether you grow 5 seedlings or 100... collectively, our impact can be great. Spread the word!