Since its founding in 1976, the International Forest of Friendship has provided a beautiful, peaceful, and safe place to gather and enjoy the camaraderie of the Forest environment, the city of Atchison, and the aviation community. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and to respect the safety of our honorees, visitors and members of the Forest family, the Forest's Board of Directors has voted not to hold this year's annual induction ceremonies as planned on Sept 18-19 in Atchison. This decision was reached after careful research and discussion.
Next year the 45th anniversary ceremonies will be held on Sept 17-18, 2021 (Fri-Sat). The theme will be "World Friendship though Flight" and we hope to use it to strengthen international ties. This will be a chance to engage 99s members and other colleagues from around the world. With a year and a half to get ready we should be able to have a wonderful event! Suggestions very welcome.
In the meantime, please take advantage of this year's theme of "Flying and Forests" to participate in events linking aviation and aerospace to the green spaces on the planet. We have a particular interest in:
- The "Trillion Trees Vision" <https://www.trilliontrees.org/> and < https://www.1t.org/> “seeks to connect funders with forest conservation ventures, and inspire society to protect and restore one trillion trees by 2050."
- The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) <https://queenscommonwealthcanopy.org/>, " a unique network of forest conservation initiatives, which involves all 53 countries of the Commonwealth." The Forest has ties to the Commonwealth (and to UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, and elsewhere) through The 99s and other honorees.
- The Green Belt Movement (GBM) https://www.goldmanprize.org/blog/green-belt-movement-wangari-maathai/>, which was started by Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She is a past Forest honoree, and also a graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison.
Please also remember the smoke jumpers, pilots of fire tankers, and others who fly or use flight to keep us safe as the summer fire season approaches.
The Forest remains open year-round during daylight hours for guests. We are pleased that people have continued to visit while maintaining "social distancing."
Current information will be posted on our website <www.ifof.org>
Thank you for your support during these difficult times. Please stay safe.
Your Forest Team
