PRESS

Oregon Tool Supports veritree Foundation to Restore Old Bonjoge Forest in Kenya

PORTLAND, Ore., June 25, 2026 — At Oregon Tool, we do more than deliver world-class cutting systems. We are devoted to positively impacting people, communities, and landscapes around the world. Through our t.r.e.e. Initiative, we honor our Global Stewardship core value by supporting our customers, our people, and our communities – locally and through causes that extend our impact globally.

As part of that commitment, we’re proud to announce our 2026 contribution to ecosystem restoration through the veritree Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to accountable, transparent, ecosystem restoration.

Our contributions are supporting restoration work in Old Bonjoge Forest near Kisumu City, Kenya, a project that has been identified by veritree Foundation as one of their most urgent restoration needs. Our donation helps sustain and build on their ongoing work, including the planting of 25,000 trees.

Restoring a forest that supports life around it

Old Bonjoge Forest spans approximately 2,150 hectares and is considered the “lungs” of the rapidly growing Kisumu metropolitan area. It also serves as a critical watershed that drains into Lake Victoria, helping support access to clean water for surrounding communities.

Over time, sections of the forest have been cleared to make room for population growth, and natural resources have been overharvested for fuelwood and timber. While restoration efforts began decades ago, the area has struggled to regenerate naturally, leaving invasive species to dominate portions of the landscape.

This project focuses on restoring the long-term health of the forest, to provide clean air, healthy watersheds, and lasting benefits for the communities who depend on it.

What the project includes

Restoration efforts in Old Bonjoge Forest are designed to support both environmental recovery and community stability. Through veritree Foundation and their planting partner EarthLungs, restoration efforts will focus on:

  • Removing invasive species to support native ecosystem recovery
  • Restoring key watersheds to strengthen long-term resilience
  • Establishing nurseries to produce seedlings and rebuild forest richness
  • Planting indigenous trees to enable natural regeneration
  • Planting fruit and bamboo trees to support food security, income opportunities, and long-term livelihoods

Be designing restoration efforts that benefit the local community, veritree and their local partners reduce the risk of future overharvesting and increase the likelihood of sustainable outcomes.

Measuring impact beyond trees

A defining part of veritree Foundation’s approach is its commitment to transparency and accountability. Restoration projects are monitored and triple-verified, supporting credible and transparent reporting on impact. They provide visibility into the impact of our donation.

Healthy landscapes and thriving communities are closely connected. As part of its work in Kenya, veritree Foundation collaborates with local planting partners to better understand the social impact of restoration efforts. Through partner-led efforts, restoration initiatives in the region support:

  • Stable employment opportunities for local communities
  • Increased participation and leadership opportunities
  • Improved access to essential services such as healthcare and water
  • Greater economic stability through access to income opportunities

This approach ensures that restoration efforts deliver meaningful outcomes for both ecosystems and the people connected to them.

Watch the project come to life

veritree Foundation produced a short video from their visit to Old Bonjoge Forest, highlighting the project and sharing a visualization of the restoration work supported by Oregon Tool.

▶️ Watch the video

🔗 Explore our veritree Impact Hub

Global Stewardship in action

This donation reflects how Oregon Tool continues to put its values into action – working with trusted organizations to support projects that create lasting positive impact for people, communities, and landscapes around the world.

About Oregon Tool

Oregon Tool, Inc. (“Oregon Tool”) is a global, premium-branded, aftermarket-driven precision cutting-tool platform. The company’s portfolio of brands specializes in professional grade precision cutting tools for forestry, lawn and garden; farming, ranching and agriculture; and concrete cutting and finishing. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with a multinational manufacturing and distribution footprint, Oregon Tool sells its products in more than 110 countries under the Oregon®, Woods®, ICS®, Pentruder®, Merit®, and Carlton® brands. We are the industry-leading manufacturer of saw chain and guide bars for chainsaws and diamond saw chain for concrete and pipe, a leading manufacturer of agricultural tractor attachments, and the leading OEM supplier of first-fit and replacement parts. Learn more at www.oregontool.com.