In recent years in California, each autumn has come with raging wildfires, causing one loss after another of forests that serve not only as water sources, but also recreational destinations.

Southern California's San Bernardino National Forest, surrounded by desert and prone to an arid climate, has suffered repeated wildfires. The destruction has been so severe that it is impossible to even imagine the former appearance of the forest based on its charred remains.

In 2008, Canon U.S.A. designated its environmentally conscious inkjet printers, scanners, and laser multifunction printers as Generation Green products as part of a sales promotion. At the same time, it launched the Canon Forest Program, in which the company would plant one seedling for every ten customers who purchased and registered a Generation Green product on the campaign's website. In just three months, some 200,000 users registered their products.

Impressed by the enthusiastic response, Canon concluded the campaign and followed it with a decision to support the efforts of forest workers as they continue to rejuvenate the San Bernardino National Forest one seedling at a time. Because the tree species that thrive in this expansive national forest system differ by location, foresters choose suitable seeds for each area and carefully cultivate them to preserve their ecosystems. Once these seeds grow into seedlings, they are planted to replenish the forest.

Canon is proud to have provided a tangible outlet for some 200,000 people to express their support for the environment.