Emmie blog

(x)tree: Build Awareness. Become a Branch in a Global Virtual Tree

At a time of year when trees are being cut down for the holiday season and tree cutting practices are endangering our ecological and cultural diversity, the (x)tree symbolizes how each of us can build awareness and make a small difference by contributing a “virtual seedling” and watching it grow, reminding us of the simplicity and beauty of tree planting.

El Prado, NM (PRWEB) December 3, 2010

A unique collaborative event is taking place that takes the traditional holiday tree to another dimension. The (x)tree, as it’s called, is a dynamic visualization of a tree-form generated by individuals sending messages from *social networks and mobile devices.A large scale projection of the (X)tree will be part of the Ledoux Street Celebration in Taos, a world-famous destination for skiing and art. Agnes Chavez, founder of STEMArts () and creator of the (x)tree collaboration, says “In order for the tree to come alive and start growing, virtually, people from all over the world can just send a twitter message including the exact code term"#(x)tree"(without quotations). Each tweet generates a branch, tweet by tweet, person by person, "growing" the algorithmic holiday tree."

“The (x)tree is "grown" from the intention of individuals” Chavez says, “it represents the way we are all connected, not only through communication systems, but biologically as part of a living system.” (x)tree NM is a STEMArts () and Santa Fe Complex benefit for Tree NM.

Tree NM, an organization based in Albuquerque, NM reached their millionth tree planted in March 2007 through community partnerships and educational outreach. They are now embarking on the “One million more” campaign and the (x)tree project hopes to raise awareness and money toward their goal.To participate in the tree planting drive you can visit the Tree NM site () donate $5.00 to Tree NM, and have a real seedling planted in your name or as a gift for a friend or family member. The project will continue after the event as (x)tree will be transferred to a website, where people can continue to send their messages and support the Tree NM- tree planting drive.

Chavez says, "A reality of social networking is that, like in real relationships, it evolves over time. I am seeing the (x)tree as a year long collaboration with the inauguration of the (x)tree happening for the Lighting of Ledoux 2010 and its completion in 2011 for next years' Ledoux Lighting. Throughout the year Chavez plans to project it in different countries that she visits, and will also keep expanding the way people can participate (SMS, Facebook, etc.) The tree planting organization that collaborates for fundraising will also change according to state/country. Anyone interested in bringing the (x)tree to their city or country can contact Chavez directly at learn(at)sube(dot)com

Send a simple tweet message and become a branch in the global virtual tree while helping to raise awareness to tree planting worldwide. For example,. "This holiday season, I'm building awareness with #(x)tree" - Please retweet! To participate through Facebook and text messaging visitto find out when that feature will be added.

To see the live projection of the (x)tree come to Taos New Mexico for the Annual Lighting of Ledoux on December 11, 2010 5-7pm.Stroll to the top of Ledoux street, 203 Ledoux, by 7pm and watch the (x)tree stream your tweets live from the internet, on to the facade of a historic adobe building.

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Agnes ChavezSTEMArts1-800-803-8073Email Information