The Arbor Day Foundation has planted nearly 7 million trees as part of its five-year commitment to plant 10 million trees in areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The organization reached more than two-thirds of its target less than two years after announcing the initiative.
The Arbor Day Foundation made the commitment in October 2024, shortly after Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall within approximately two weeks of each other.
The storms damaged forests and communities across Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Rather than immediately replanting affected areas, the Foundation has been working with local organizations to determine when individual landscapes are ready for restoration.
The approach considers land conditions, planting seasons, community needs, and the likelihood that newly planted trees can successfully become established.
The organization said it will continue coordinating financial and operational support from corporate partners, members, and individual supporters as it moves toward the 10 million-tree target.
Data and mapping assessments are also being used alongside information from local planting organizations to identify priority areas and determine appropriate planting timelines.
The initiative covers both communities and larger forested landscapes damaged by the hurricanes.
The Arbor Day Foundation has operated for more than 50 years and says it has planted more than half a billion trees with partners during that period.
Its network includes more than one million supporters, planters, organizational leaders, and other participants.
KEY QUOTES:
“When we make a commitment to communities or forestlands after disaster, we follow through alongside our partners. Reaching this point in under two years shows what’s possible when we collaborate with our outstanding corporate and individual supporters to get resources to the right partners on the ground.”
Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation
