Isaac Heiman, 13, committed to planting trees across the world

Isaac Heiman is on a one-man tree spree.

Since April, he has added more than 300 trees to the planet.

The Mukilteo teen orchestrated the planting of trees from Washington to Israel and Guatemala for a service project for his Aug. 3 bar mitzvah.

“I always liked trees,” said Isaac, 13. “They’re more like living creatures that you can bond with. You can interact with them.”

His original mission was to plant 250 trees by August, but he met that goal before a recent planting party at 92nd Street Park in Mukilteo. He hit up the city to provide 50 hemlock and western red cedars. He provided snacks for the 20 people who came with gloves and shovels to assist.

Isaac chose trees for environmental and personal reasons.

In an email sent to friends and neighbors, he explained: “They speak to me. They make me feel good. Most importantly they make the world feel good.”

He invited everyone to join the party. “I can’t tell you how thankful I will be, but how good you will feel as well. I want to demonstrate the power of community to do so much more than one person can on his or her own,” he wrote.

He gave tips. “By the way, if you join Arborday.org for $10, they will send you 10 trees appropriate for your area free.”

He didn’t stop there. “For those of you that are traveling over the next three months, if you are able, make a lasting mark on wherever you are visiting by planting a tree.”

He has a list where the trees are planted. “So I can check on them later and see them as they grow,” he said, sounding like a proud parent.

It’s a diverse family of seedlings: “Cherry trees. Dogwoods. Firs. Cedars. Smoke trees. Norway spruces, tons of them,” he said.

Isaac isn’t resting on his laurels. “I’ll send more emails about planting some more,” he said.

His project got the nod from Rabbi Jessica Marshall of Temple Beth Or in Everett.

“It was all his idea,” she said. “Isaac has shown such thoughtfulness and maturity in his project. He is really interested in a deeper meaning. Many students get inspired and dream big.”

Projects by others include raising money for mosquito nets in Africa, collecting shoes for people in developing countries and a Mukilteo beach cleanup.

Isaac doesn’t live and breathe trees. He likes to play video games, shoot baskets, bake cookies and clown around with his 8-year-old sister, Annabelle. He’s in the band and on the track team at Harbour Pointe Middle School.

The voicemail message on his cellphone tells callers they’ve reached “the office of Isaac Heiman, attorney at law.”

His dad, Ron, is a public defender. Isaac’s considering a career in law. “I’ve been to my dad’s work and it was cool,” he said.

His mom, Wendy, is a massage therapist. “That’s cool, too,” he said. “I’ve given her massages.”

Isaac isn’t ruling out something in sports.

“I like watching NBA games. I would like the Sonics if they were here,” he said. “If I had another bar mitzvah, that would be my project to bring them here.”

Andrea Brown; 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

A car drives past a culvert blocked by grass along 123rd Avenue NE on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Little Pilchuck salmon project gets boost from $4.6M state grant

Washington’s Recreation and Conservation Office announced Tuesday that Snohomish… Continue reading

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Image provided by Snohomish County PUD
The three potential routes for a new transmission line between Maltby and Paradise. Construction is set to begin in 2028.
Snohomish County PUD plans open house to discuss new transmission line

The public utility will discuss three possible routes on July 31 for a new line between Maltby and Paradise.

From left to right, Lynnwood City Council Position 3 candidates Josh Binda, Tyler Hall and Bryce Owings.
Position 3 candidates focus on affordability amid city’s growth

City Council Vice President Josh Binda is seeking a second term against challengers Tyler Hall and Bryce Owings.

Traffic slows as it moves around the bend of northbound I-5 through north Everett on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Paving project will close I-5 lanes in Everett

Crews will close up to 4 lanes overnight for weeks to complete the $8.1 million repairs.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish man, who trained extremists, sentenced for illegal gun possession

An FBI investigation revealed Benton posted violent extremist content, neo-Nazi propaganda, and anti-Semitic materials on social media.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.