The “Living Legacy Program” was the idea of Sovereign Grand Master Wilson D. Berkey, who in 1989 noticed many dead trees in the jurisdiction that he was visiting which aroused his concern for global tree loss. He commissioned this worthy project as “The Living Legacy Program” of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His untimely passing in March 1990 caused the program to become his own “Living Memorial” for his untiring work for Odd Fellowship!

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a “Family Fraternity.” While it was first organized with only men in Odd Fellow Lodges in 1819 on the North American Continent, the Rebekah branch was organized in 1850 and women were admitted to Odd Fellowship, as were other Units organized – Encampment, Ladies Encampment Auxiliary, Patriarchs Militant, Ladies Auxiliary Patriarchs Militant, Junior Odd Fellows and Theta Rho Girls’ Clubs to complete the “Family Fraternity.” The branches of the “Family Fraternity” have planted over six million trees since the program’s inception and we have only begun!

This is our gift to future generations! So please join Odd Fellows and Rebekahs worldwide in planting trees which will better the community in which we live while helping so beautify the world!

Fighting global warming is a priority of all countries and governments. Planting trees has been advocated by scientists for years due to the ability to trees to absorb carbon dioxide, store the carbon and release oxygen for human use. Man’s best environmental cleaners are trees; as long as air pollution continues – let us plant trees!       

You too can help, plant a tree on or a close to “Arbor Day,” during the last week of April, but planting anytime can make a difference in our environment.

Make contacts in your communities of potential recipients of the trees such as the libraries, schools, churches, retirement complexes, playgrounds, parks, cemeteries etc. You will be surprised how easy it is to donate and plant a tree!

Remember to notify the local media in your community to let them know where and when you will be doing this community service, whether you are a member of, or a working friend of the “Family of Odd Fellowship.” In this endeavor remember to request mayors, premiers, and governors to make proclamations for the “Living Legacy Program” for the days that you intend to do the planting.

A fraternity that cares about the World in which we live…

Come be a Partner with us – planting trees in your community, while you help to beautify and clean the world in which we live and provide cover and food wildlife.

“PLANT A TREE FOR ONE WHO COMES AFTER ME”