Everyone waved it off. So many said it was out of reach,
... but there are billions of reasons why it must be done; you're one of them.
We are on BlueSky @jacksonerp.bsky.social
Throughout my career, I have been involved in a wide variety of ground-zero events. For more than a decade, as I built models for hurricane tracking, I began to notice concerning trends. During my most recent project, I analyzed data stretching back to the 1800s. The results were profoundly unsettling, and the realization compelled me to take action.
That is why I purchased 160 acres of land and founded the Jackson Earth Restoration Project in 2024. This initiative was created to bring together a community of passionate and skilled individuals dedicated to combating climate change through regenerative agriculture.
My mission is to establish a research center that focuses on outreach and education. We'll aim to enhance water efficiency and conservation through innovative techniques like constructing small check dams, swales, and implementing microbial soil regeneration methods.
Above all, we strive to share science in an engaging and accessible way while making a positive impact on the world. Together, we can inspire change and restore our planet for future generations.
Jackson’s campus is in the desert, and it's challenging. It's as dry as a bone and gets incredibly hot. The location is surrounded by predators like bears and mountain lions and small but highly poisonous creatures like rattlesnakes and Bark scorpions. Most would say that the odds are against us or that what we are trying to do is impossible, but we're here to restore balance or die trying. We hope you enjoy watching the transformation. If you would like to buy me a coffee, click here.
Millions of seeds and thousands of thriving trees spread across 160 acres, with one endless road stretching ahead. Welcome to my mission.
Find out more at Jackson Earth Restoration Project - YouTube
The trip to Arizona was challenging but productive. While I accomplished a great deal during my short time there, I didn’t manage to complete everything I had hoped. Those who follow me on Bluesky have offered incredible suggestions and insights, ranging from remedies for sore muscles to advice on providing shade for the newly planted trees. I’m deeply grateful for this guidance and intend to use it all.
The adventure began with a climb. Jackson Earth Restoration is a landscape of rolling hills, crowned with a subtle, gradual slope downward. Accessing the property from the lower side proved impossible, requiring me to ascend 546 feet, navigate around a few corners, and climb even higher.
I carried 160 pounds of equipment daily, abandoning gear along the way so I could inch closer to each camera site. Beyond that, I visited a local nursery and purchased 10 baby trees for planting. However, most of my efforts focused on planting treated seeds.
Here’s how I prepared the seeds:
- I began by drying the seeds.
- Next, I exposed them to ethylene gas in a sealed, dark container.
- To introduce moisture, I added a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide (at 1% concentration).
- The seeds were then placed near washes where visible signs of water flow and soil moisture were confirmed using meters.
- Each seed starter was planted 8 inches deep into the ground.
- I prepared a mix of water-storing crystals, humic acid, mycorrhizal fungi, vermiculite, and soil to fill each hole.
- After placing the seed in the hole, I covered it with additional soil, leaving a 1 to 2-inch gap around the seed to enhance water retention.
- Finally, I topped each hole with a specialized cone to protect the emerging leaves from wildlife and to capture atmospheric moisture.
This effort reflects both the physical trials and the rewarding progress made during the trip. The climb, the planting process, and the valuable guidance I received all contribute to the mission of restoring the Earth one step at a time.
n July, I will receive a 20-foot container and have arranged to store and fill it with cisterns, tools, and equipment at Bob's Orchard in Baldwin. In October, I plan to hire an Earth Works team to construct a road, ensuring easier access to the property. Once the container arrives, I will assemble a small weather station using materials I’ve already prepared in Florida.
In November, I will spend a couple of weeks on the property setting up solar panels, cisterns, and water irrigation systems in preparation for the April 2026 planting season. In 2026, I will spend 3 days on the road with those baby trees. During that visit, I plan to plant over 750 trees currently growing in my nursery in Florida.
We urgently need an excavator. If anyone can help us find one that is affordable, in good working condition, and durable enough to last through the next year, we would be extremely grateful.
NASA will fly your name around the moon and even land probes on Mars with your digitized namesake. But what if you could be remembered for doing something closer to home?
As many of you know, I am dedicated to planting a flourishing forest across 160 acres in Arizona. Inspired by NASA's mission to openly share their achievements with the world, I aim to extend this initiative to all who care about combating the climate crisis. For every person eager to make a difference, I am planting a tree on their behalf—entirely free of charge. The land, seeds, and saplings are already in my care, and this project is my commitment to a greener future.
While I cannot guarantee the survival of every tree planted, I am doing this with everyone's participation in mind. Logistically, keeping track of everyone involved has been challenging. To streamline this process, I created a list on BlueSky and the hashtag #OurBlueSkyForest.
I have also created a spreadsheet with:
- Garmin GPS coordinates of each tree
- Type of tree planted
- Height
- Growth rate
- Potential lifespan of the tree (some trees can live 200 to 300 years)
If you would like to dedicate a tree to someone or have your tree planted, I am happy to assist. Climate change is happening, and if all we do is talk about it, nothing will ever get done. That's why I decided to buy the land.
Like NASA, this is not an instant program. There is time between visits to the property. Once your tree is in the ground, I can provide the coordinates or share them however you prefer. Soon, I will have a certificate available that you can print with your tree’s location.
Like and subscribe to our YouTube channel, and witness as we transform the region. Spread the word...
We also have an Amazon Wish List if you would like to contribute.
Notices:
Avoid Scams: No one from my organization will ever ask visitors for money. Anyone interested in participating in this project should only use the mechanisms in place. However, we now offer merchandise, an Amazon wish list, and a BuyMeACoffee option, but we will never solicit funds via email or phone. These systems were set up to avoid trolls, bots, and scammers. Your privacy is extremely important.
Volunteer and join our mission
Our mission is to reverse over a century of damage and give Mother Nature the helping hand she deserves. But we're not just planting trees and building check dams. We're using innovative water retention designs and ingenious hacks to tap into the earth's biology and chemistry, making our approach unique.
The damage is evident, but knowing the symptoms allows us to diagnose, treat, and regenerate the soil in targeted ways. Our starting point is microscopic, and we gradually build up to larger plants, shrubs, and trees. With any luck, keystone species will move back into our region.
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"Mardis" offers a brief yet intriguing exploration of physics, psychology, and theology, starting with the tale of Mardis, the author's grandmother on her deathbed. In her final moments, she imparted her last experiences and wisdom in a profound and unexpected manner. She pried open the threshold between life and death, allowing Dean to interpret his grandmother’s ultimate reflections when words failed her. As Mardis left the mortal realm, she bequeathed a cosmic conundrum that profoundly altered Dean's perception of reality and his own identity.