Friends of Trees: Beaverton, OR
Trees teach the lesson of sacrifice in that they not only bear fruits while they are alive, but also give away their body to be used as firewood once the life goes out of them. Amongst teachers, a tree is the greatest. ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 2000.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba consistently emphasized the sacred bond between Nature and God, reminding us that Nature embodies unity and purity and that it is our duty to revere and protect it. Inspired by this message, members of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Beaverton dedicated themselves to supporting the One Million Sai Trees Initiative, a global mission aimed at planting one million trees by November 2025. This initiative serves as an expression of gratitude to Nature and Sri Sathya Sai’s emphasis on environmental stewardship as a path to realizing the Divinity within Creation.
On February 22, 2025, six Sai volunteers collaborated with Friends of Trees, a community organization committed to uniting people through tree planting in Portland’s neighborhoods and natural areas. Through this partnership, the Sai volunteers successfully planted 30 trees in nature, experiencing immense gratification in contributing to the restoration of nature and actively combating climate change.
Reflecting on this experience, participating members shared their heartfelt thoughts:
“While we are blessed to reside in Oregon, a state celebrated for its breathtaking forests, majestic mountains, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife, we also deeply recognize the urgent need for environmental preservation. I felt immense joy in knowing that through this initiative, I could actively promote sustainability and contribute to a greener future, wholeheartedly honoring Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s message of reverence for Nature.”
“My motivation to participate in this tree-planting activity stemmed from a desire to help counter the detrimental effects of deforestation and climate change. Additionally, it provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with cherished friends.”
This tree-planting event was more than a simple act of service—it became a meaningful opportunity to cultivate a deeper, more intimate connection with Nature while taking concrete, tangible steps to protect and nurture the environment. By actively participating in initiatives like the One Million Sai Trees, Sai volunteers not only contributed to environmental conservation but also cultivated a spirit of unity and collective responsibility—reminding all of us that selfless service to Nature is, indeed, an act of service to the Divine.