Growing a Healthy Future for All of Us, Takes All of Us

It can be a lot to hold. 

In the face of these complex and interconnected challenges, it is profound to think that the simple act of planting trees can start making a difference. 

Planting a tree sets into motion layers of positive impact. In forests, they grow to support a delicate web of biodiversity. They absorb carbon from our atmosphere to lessen the effects of climate change. They filter our water and air. And when severe weather strikes, they prevent erosion and help prevent flooding. 

On our city streets, trees do all this and more, acting as tools to better public health. Trees cool deadly heat in densely concreted areas and have even been correlated with better mental health.

At the Arbor Day Foundation, we know that trees bring people together to do great things. When you donate, you’re teaming up with the world’s largest network of tree planters. Whether with a shovel or a gift, we make it possible for anyone to make a difference from wherever they are.

Drawing on more than 50 years of experience, we use a combination of technology and the local expertise of our planting partners to put the right trees in the right places. Together, we're working to create a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees.

Around the world, we have forests to thank for cleaning our air and providing much of our drinking water. They also support a delicate web of biodiversity, all while removing carbon from the atmosphere. In fact, trees in forests are one of our most effective and affordable tools in slowing climate change.

Unfortunately, we lose an alarming 24 million acres of forest every year – that's an area the size of Indiana. Whether from deforestation or natural disasters, the world needs trees now to restore what’s been lost and to create a livable, stable future.

At the Arbor Day Foundation, we work with our partners around world to plant trees in forests in need. While trees do good wherever they are, we focus our efforts on five key regions where they can have the greatest impact.

Trees don’t just beautify streets, trees make communities healthier. But not every neighborhood has access to their benefits. Urban areas lacking canopy can be 10°F hotter in summer months than areas with healthy trees. This is especially dangerous for neighbors who rely on public transportation or don’t have AC. Community trees make streets cooler and more resilient to flooding while giving people places to gather — leveling the playing field and strengthening community ties.

Growing a healthy canopy does not happen overnight. That's why our network of community partners runs deep. We connect city governments, planting organizations, nonprofits, and individuals with the resources to sustainably grow their urban canopy. We plant everywhere, with a special focus on projects in low-canopy communities to create meaningful change from the ground up.

Over the last 50 years, we’ve planted more than 500 million trees. But today’s challenges demand we do more. That’s why we’re working to plant our next 500 million by 2027, focusing on forests and communities that need trees most. We can’t meet this moment alone. Join us to plant a more hopeful future starting today.