If you’ve read the news lately, you’ve noticed that the world is changing quickly. Globally, temperatures are rising. An area the size of Indiana is deforested each year. Not all people have access to green spaces. In the face of so many challenges, to believe in a better future is a bold thing.
But at the Arbor Day Foundation, we do. We believe that tree planting is a critical part of creating a tomorrow where we can all thrive. And we are leading with that bold belief in everything we do — including our newsletter.
As you flip through this issue of Arbor Day, you will notice a few changes. We’ve sharpened the look and feel of our brand to reflect our values, legacy, and the vibrant work we’re doing together. It’s a fresh perspective on our timeless mission of inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.
The world needs trees today, planted at a remarkable scale. With people like you who are also bold enough to believe, a better future is calling. Thank you for joining us to make it a reality.
IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL
How partnerships with staying power can plant the most good
Committing to plant 18 million trees in eight years is a bold move. But when pest infestation and wildfire decimated key forestland in Canada, this kind of large-scale response is necessary to restore the ecosystem. The Arbor Day Foundation teamed up with Blue Green Planet Project and Nekote LP to help make this goal achievable. This is what planting at the speed of a changing world looks like, and it is possible because the Foundation has built a network of partners who share our belief in taking bold action.
“We are focused on creating deep and productive connections with planting partners so we can do work that is more meaningful,” said Bradley Brandt, senior reforestation manager at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Our goal is to be able to make a longterm commitment to the complete restoration of a landscape, to stay engaged until the forest is set up to prosper.”
This work with Blue Green Planet Project is the definition of tree planting at scale — fully restoring the forests surrounding Devils Lake in Manitoba. With the support of the Arbor Day Foundation and its dedicated members, this organization has stepped up to make an eight-year commitment to restoring the land. To date, nearly 3 million trees have been planted, and work is on track to plant 3 million trees each spring through 2030.
WORKING WITH LOCAL INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
All tree planting efforts are happening on land managed by Nekote LP, the organization representing
the seven First Nations bands in the region. So once again, partnership is key. The local bands have been very involved in every step of reforestation.
“They put in the proposals for what land should be planted. They put in orders for the trees that we’re going to be planting,” said Farron Sharp, project manager for Blue Green Planet Project. “Nothing happens without their thumbs up.”
To further that connection, young people from the communities are given an opportunity for employment. As tree planters, they receive training, mentorship, and a good wage — creating opportunities for increased inclusion of Indigenous community members in the forestry sector. Year after year, this training program continues to grow.
Trees must be planted at the pace our world needs. With partners like Blue Green Planet Project that are committed to forest restoration done right — and Arbor Day Foundation members with a bold belief that trees can transform our tomorrow — a better world for all of us is within reach.
TODAY’S CHILDREN, TOMORROW’S CONSERVATIONISTS
Inspiring the next generation of tree planters
John F. Kennedy once said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” This statement still rings true today, particularly for the health and well-being of the natural world.
There’s little doubt that the outlook of our forests lies in the hands of future generations. That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation is dedicated to inspiring today’s youth through education about the importance of trees and forests, while also engaging them in the planting and care of the urban and natural forests that define our world.
“The earlier a person can learn about why trees are important in their community and around the globe, the sooner they can start to formulate how they can be a steward of trees throughout their life,” said Logan Donahoo, senior manager of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation.
Helping youth develop a passion for trees can take many forms — everything from schoolyard plantings to part-time jobs.
FUTURE TREE PLANTERS IN DETROIT
In some Detroit neighborhoods, the view from residents’ front windows isn’t as green as it should be. The lack of trees is creating environmental challenges that can lead
to air temperatures up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than well-shaded neighborhoods and the potential for higher rates of childhood asthma.
To help the community face these issues head-on, corporate supporter Room & Board and the Arbor Day Foundation worked with The Greening of Detroit to expand its youth programming. Efforts this past year were focused at 13 schools and included a mix of in-class education, field trips, apprentice training, and planting 123 trees on school grounds. As these children build an understanding of the importance of trees and how to care for them, they have the tools they need to be future environmental stewards for their community.
HANDS-ON TRAINING IN LOS ANGELES
In a city like L.A., 38 acres of parkland perched on a hilltop is a treasure. Flat Top Park has been that treasure for residents of the city’s oldest suburb, but the park needed more trees. The Arbor Day Foundation and local planting partner North East Trees teamed up to make it happen. At-promise youth were hired from the surrounding disadvantaged communities, receiving the education and training needed to become stewards of the land. This was the first job for many of them, providing hands-on experience and basic job skills that have set them on a stronger path for the future. The new trees will also offer a respite amid neighborhoods with virtually no tree canopy.
Trees have had a tremendous impact on the lives of these children — both in Detroit and L.A. — making their worlds better. And they will carry this impact into the future.
You can help children in your community build a lifelong connection with trees by getting area schools involved in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus program. Find out more at arborday.org/k12
DIGGING IN THE DIRT FOR YOUR MENTAL WELL-BEING
One soil microbe offers a tremendous benefit for gardeners
Trees have a profound, positive impact on our mental health, and research has made that clear. It has been proven that spending time among trees lowers cortisol levels. And simply living within 100 meters (about 300 feet) of a tree reduces rates of depression.
More recently, science has uncovered another way tree planting affects our mood and mental health: digging in the dirt. In addition to benefits that fresh air, physical exertion, and natural beauty provide, Mycobacterium vaccae — a microbe naturally found in soil — is also improving people’s temperaments.
This microbe’s primary role is to help break down organic matter like decaying leaves and needles, for example, but it can also increase brain serotonin, which can produce antidepressant-like effects in humans. This happens when people are merely working in the soil — tree planting included.
Researchers are still actively studying this phenomenon. While there are many working hypotheses as to why this happens, the amazing thing is that it does happen.
“We should all be really excited about that, and we should not underestimate the power of nature,” said Dr. Christopher Lowry, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and prominent researcher of this bacteria.
GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF HAPPY
If you want to experience this science at work for yourself, it’s as simple as grabbing a shovel and planting a tree. The cooler months in late fall are a great time to add a tree to your landscaping. Find out more about the benefits of fall planting at arborday.org/fall
GATHERING THE BRIGHTEST MINDS IN REFORESTATION
Volgenau Climate Initiative discusses a tree-filled future
Our planet is facing some of the greatest challenges in history. Extreme weather, dangerous heat, raging wildfires — climate change is officially at our front door. And it’s time to meet these challenges head-on with trees.
The Volgenau Climate Initiative is doing just that — bringing together the biggest thinkers, embracing bold innovation, and taking action through nature-based solutions. In June, the Arbor Day Foundation hosted this group of environmental leaders at Arbor Day Farm to discuss how to create meaningful change through large-scale reforestation. Robust discussion around workforce development, landowner collaboration and seedling supply, among others, inspired new thinking and collaboration.
“Volgenau is an important catalyst, bringing diverse audiences together to build momentum and create real change. We believe it will help accelerate reforestation, and we’re proud to have a seat at this table,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.
This initiative is another reason we are bold enough to believe in a better future. With great minds leading the way, we can make our worlds better with trees.
A BETTER FUTURE IS CALLING
A charitable gift annuity may be your answer
We all have a role to play in shaping the future. With the help of a charitable gift annuity, you can leave a legacy of tree planting that can change the world.
Charitable gift annuities offer retirement income throughout your lifetime, with a large portion of it being tax-free. Then remaining funds in the annuity will be distributed to the Foundation. This gift will not only support tree planting efforts but also ensure that your passion for trees will live on.
For more information and a confidential quote on a charitable gift annuity, please send us the form below, contact Erin Mousel at 888-448-7337, ext. 9614, or email giftplanning@arborday.org.
LEARN MORE. NO OBLIGATION.
l Please provide me with a confidential quote for an Arbor Day Foundation charitable gift annuity.
Birth Date
I am considering a gift annuity of $
Name Address
City/State/Zip
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Best time to call
Mail to: Arbor Day Foundation 211 N. 12th St. Lincoln, NE 68508
($10,000 minimum)
produces a lovely shimmering effect thanks to the silvery undersides of its leaves. The bark, too, is silver in color, particularly when the tree is young. But the beautiful silvery nature of this tree is not its biggest draw. People love the silver maple for its
numerous bird species — especially grosbeaks — as well as squirrels, foxes, and other small mammals.
This tree is suitable for hardiness zones 3-9 and adapts to a variety of soil and site conditions. It will reach a height of 50–80 feet with a spread of 35–50 feet, so plant it in a site with plenty of room. And while branches can be prone to limb breakage, the silver maple can handle periods of both drought and flooding.
To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/ silvermaple or scan this QR code.
We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!
