Arbor Day Foundation

Too many residents across the country lack access to the benefits of local parks and green spaces. Without trees nearby, their mental and physical health suffers. We believe people deserve trees. They deserve to be greeted by fresh air when they step outside and a space where they can take a moment to reset. It’s time to act.

It’s happening everywhere — stronger storms, scorching summers, destructive floods, relentless drought. The number of Americans experiencing climate change where they live is growing. But trees help us answer the call to a better future. It's time to meet the moment.

When a metro area experiences rapid growth, not all neighborhoods receive the same investment. This can be especially true in low-income and majority-minority neighborhoods. When areas are overlooked in this way, aging trees often aren’t well-maintained and new tree plantings aren’t prioritized. This disinvestment in urban forestry can lead to more negative impacts, like urban heat islands and limited community gathering spaces. Working with the right local organizations in vibrant and vulnerable communities is key to the success of both trees and people. For instance, in Nashville, our partners are working under the guidance of neighborhood tree captains to distribute trees to their neighbors. These residents equip one another with tree care knowledge so the right trees are planted in the right places for the right reasons. https://lnkd.in/g5qbiD-5

The power of a street tree is both subtle and profound. While it may not possess the raw strength of a towering skyscraper or the force of a rushing river, its impact on urban environments is immense in its own right. ?? Environmental impact ?? Community benefits ?? Economic value ?? Biodiversity development ?? Long-term sustainability While a street tree may seem small and unassuming, its power lies in its ability to positively transform urban environments in multifaceted ways. Because a tree can be impactful, connecting communities and creating a healthier planet for generations to come.

Within the span of two weeks, Hurricanes Helene and Milton ripped through cities, towns, and homes. The back-to-back blows allowed little opportunity for recovery as once-hit communities were knocked down for a second time. Countless stories of hope, kindness, unity, and compassion have emerged following the storms, showcasing the incredible resiliency of humanity. Neighbors and strangers together, all lending a hand to dig out of the destruction and chart a new path forward. It’s a reminder that even on our darkest days, we can be bold enough to believe in better days ahead. That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation is pledging 10 million trees to help communities and forestlands across the six states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Join us at https://www.arborday.org/

After a week of celebrating #WorldSustainabilityDay, we’re proud to highlight our partnership with Clayton in an exciting reforestation initiative at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve! Together, we’re planting over 60,000 trees as part of a broader commitment to plant 4.47 million trees by 2025. This innovative reclamation project aims to restore native forests on former coal mine lands, enhancing biodiversity and combating invasive species in the area. On days like World Sustainability Day, we’re extra grateful for partners like Clayton, helping us drive impact, drive scale and plant trees in forests and neighborhoods of greatest need. This work helps us change lives for people across the planet ??

Street trees deserve a round of applause. They: ??♀? Separate us from the roadways ?? Encourage slower driving ?? Cool our cities ?? Absorb pollution ?? Offer so much beauty

What is environmental justice? At its core, it means the fair and meaningful involvement of all people concerning the development of laws, regulations, and policies that impact lives In other words, the benefits of nature should be available to everyone, in every neighborhood regardless of race, color, or creed. Yet go to any underserved community and you’ll see and feel a palpable difference not just in appearance, but in the scorching summer temperatures, availability of fresh food, upward mobility, health, and wellbeing. We know that trees are an easy and effective solution to restore environmental justice in underserved areas. By using multiple data points beyond income level, partnering with local organizations, and consulting with community leaders, we’re maximizing the impact of each tree planted during one of our tree-planting projects. Bringing environmental equity to everyone means working with intention. It means empowering residents with tools to grow hope. It means ensuring that those who have the least don’t suffer the most. To read more about our work in environmental justice, visit: https://lnkd.in/gKTwxUkg

Who said greening Chicago is too far-fetched? ?? We teamed up with Snoopy and Openlands to plant trees in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing ???? SOS Children’s Village, which keeps sibling groups together in foster care, is wedged between a commuter rail line and a freight railway, contributing to the extremely poor air quality in the area. The village is located in the Greater Grand Crossing community area on Chicago’s South side and is considered an Environmental Justice Community for several reasons including extreme pollution and heat disparities. With a 99th percentile PM2.5 (particulate matter) pollution rate and an alarming heat disparity, planting these trees will help improve air quality, provide shade, and enhance green spaces for the village, daycare, and surrounding families. This couldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of Openlands, SOS Children’s Village, YMCA Jeanne Kenney Daycare, the Chicago Park District, and the local community! Support more projects in areas who need it most by visiting https://lnkd.in/gnNYdiFj

Right now, the world needs millions of new trees. With our global challenges mounting, we have no time to lose. That’s why we’re determined to plant 500 million trees by 2027. It’s an ambitious goal, but we know we can make it happen if we all work together. We have to make it happen. Learn more about our goal at: https://lnkd.in/gFjR-mU2