The Alder Story

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Our name comes from the alder tree. 

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When a forest has been damaged by fire, alder trees are among the few left standing. They are able to grow in the caustic soil left behind by a fire. Their roots bind the dusty soil and leaves falling from the alder restore soil chemistry and trap moisture in the ground. Protecting the bare earth in this way makes it again hospitable for the forest’s original species.

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And, with the help of the alder tree, the few other surviving trees are able to grow. Dormant seeds and nuts from those trees are able to germinate. In this way, the forest returns to strength. 

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The alder tree is not the tallest, broadest, or largest tree in the forest so the other trees grow past the alder to their proper height. They take the light from the alder tree and then the alder tree goes away, its job complete.

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When we formed Alder Associates, LLC in 2001, we drew on experts from multiple disciplines, all aligned behind this principle. We knew that only by working together with our clients and helping them build their capacity, much as the alder tree helps a new forest grow, would we be successful.

 

We are committed to making a real difference for our clients and creating the environment and the progress that makes our ongoing support unnecessary.​​

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