David Phillips
About David Phillips
David Phillips is the Land Partnerships Lead specializing in reforestation projects on degraded lands, including abandoned mine areas and unproductive soils in the Appalachia region.
Title and Role
David Phillips holds the title of Land Partnerships Lead. In this role, he works on initiatives focused on planting on various types of lands that have become less productive or abandoned. His work particularly emphasizes the planting on abandoned mine lands, degraded agricultural lands including pasture, and other unproductive soils. He ensures the success of these initiatives by carefully selecting and planting a mix of native species and photosynthesis-enhanced trees.
Expertise in Land Rehabilitation
David Phillips specializes in the rehabilitation of different types of unproductive soils through strategic planting efforts. He supervises projects that focus on planting on abandoned mine lands and degraded agricultural lands. Part of his expertise includes ensuring that the choice of trees and related vegetation is suitable to the specific conditions of the area, which is critical for achieving optimal growth and land recovery.
Project Management and Land Ownership
In his projects, David Phillips retains ownership of the land throughout the duration of each project. He not only provides a mix of native species but also invests in photosynthesis-enhanced trees, which have demonstrated increased biomass growth in controlled greenhouse trials. David handles up-front payments for site preparation and labor, thereby alleviating financial burdens for landowners. Additionally, he offers annual payments per acre to participating landowners, making the collaboration sustainable for both parties.
Support and Site Monitoring
David Phillips is dedicated to ongoing monitoring and support for the sites he oversees. He remains on-call to ensure trees are growing properly and addresses any concerns that may arise during the project’s lifecycle. This continuous engagement ensures the long-term success and health of the planted areas. Additionally, he guarantees property access for recreation and personal enjoyment, adding another layer of value for landowners.
Focus on Native and Enhanced Tree Species
David Phillips incorporates a mix of native species and photosynthesis-enhanced trees tailored to the specific region he works in. These enhanced trees have shown a significant increase in biomass growth, ranging from 30-50% more in greenhouse trials. This approach not only aids in the rapid recovery of degraded lands but also ensures that the new vegetation integrates well with the local ecosystem.