“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Odwalla.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Odwalla”

I think just about everyone knows how important trees are to the planet. Not only do they help maintain an adequate supply of oxygen so we don’t all fall to the ground in a breathless heap; they provide food (so many yummy treats come from trees!), shelter and dozens of things we use every day. Unfortunately, as our numbers and dependence on trees grew, the forests became less and less populated.

Odwalla Logo

Organizations like Nature Conservancy are working hard to replenish the population of the world’s trees, but they can’t do it alone. This is where you come in, with the help of Odwalla. If you’ve ever tasted Odwalla’s juice, you know just how insanely delicious it is. Part of that deliciousness comes from the fresh fruits and pure ingredients they use. Odwalla knows they couldn’t do it without trees to help keep the air fresh and clean (or to produce some of those amazing fruits!). They’re giving back to nature by letting you create your own really cute virtual tree, then planting a real tree in your name!

How to create a virtual tree and plant a real tree

Odwalla Tree

It’s not only incredibly easy to create your virtual tree and have a real tree planted in your name, it’s also fun! Just head over to the Odwalla Plant a Tree Program and click “Get Growing.” You can read a little bit about the mission before starting your tree if you want. On the next page, scroll down! This is important, because I created a blank tree since I neglected to read that part. Besides, that’s where all the fun stuff is!

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a slider bar with fun stuff to add to your tree. I opted for a crazy magical tree that grows all sorts of fruits and nuts. In my virtual world, I have three suns (but none of them cause sun burn, take that real sun!). You can make yours as realistic or as crazy as you want. I suggest going for crazy, because your real-world tree will be realistic enough, since it’s, you know, real and all.

Once you’ve made your tree as stunning and unique as possible, click the handy little bubble directing you to “register here.” Once you register, you’ll receive an entry into the giveaway! Oh, did I forget to mention that? Yes, you can have a chance to win a $10,000 Gift Card and a year’s supply of delicious Odwalla beverages and bars. Wow! Imagine all the saplings you could buy with $10k! You could use it to completely make over your house so it’s more energy efficient too! If you win, it’s your $10k, so you can do whatever you want with it, of course.

The Very Important Official Details

Between March 20, 2013 and May 31, 2013, Odwalla will contribute $1 for each tree you create to The Nature Conservancy for the planting of trees– no less than $75,000 and up to $100,000.  The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends.  More information about the Conservancy is available by mail at 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203, by phone at (800) 628-6860 or at www.nature.org