Now aged 105, Saalumarada Thimmakka has battled the arid conditions of southern India to grow nearly 300 trees on the road from her village. Saalumarada Thimmakka Intl Foundation

Thimmakka believes it was her fate not to have children, instead planting hundreds of banyan trees with her husband as a way of receiving "blessings." Saalumarada Thimmakka Intl Foundation

The environmental hero has earned numerous awards and has a foundation named after her -- "Saalumarada" meaning "row of trees." Pictured, a holy banyan tree in Sri Lanka. LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images

Thimmakka is highly revered in her community and is often invited to tree-planting ceremonies across India. Saalumarada Thimmakka Intl Foundation

The chief minister of Karnataka has dedicated funding for Thimmakka to continue her green-fingered work. Saalumarada Thimmakka Intl Foundation

Thimmakka's work eventually led her to adopt Sri Umesh. Saalumarada Thimmakka Intl Foundation