With the new year comes a moment to take stock of our place in the world and ask ourselves how we want to grow in the coming year. I’m excited for the resolutions the Foundation has set for 2025.
Resolution #1: We will plant trees at the speed of a changing world. The reality we face with a changing climate may feel overwhelming, but trees can serve as a force for good. We are uniquely positioned to move the needle if we act courageously.
Resolution #2: We will continue to lead in banding together with planting partners and supporters around the globe to create lasting change. With climate change at our doorstep, it is time for action. The more tree planters, the bigger the difference we can make — together.
Resolution #3: We will stop to appreciate the wonders of our natural world. The beautiful vastness of forests can shift our minds to broader thinking. It’s important to acknowledge how the simple act of planting a tree can have an impact that ripples across future generations.
I hope you will join us in what will be our best year yet. Together, we have the power to plant trees that grow hope for the future.
WORKING TOWARD A HEALTHY BRONX RIVER
Trees shine as part of an ongoing 50-year cleanup effort
Five decades ago, the Bronx River was a place parents warned their children to stay away from. It was a dumping ground for everything from old appliances to industrial waste, and the banks of the river were desolate. But a group of area residents believed the river could be more — a waterway to canoe on, shaded riverside parks for families to enjoy. It was a bold vision that has become a reality, and the Arbor Day Foundation is proud to support this work.
The challenges faced by the Bronx River began as long ago as the early 1800s. Industrialization took hold, and companies were dumping waste into the river. Parts of the river were also channelized, resulting in further loss of shoreline vegetation.
But residents were not deterred, setting to work pulling trash from the river and planting trees along the banks.
This work continues today through many organizations, including the Bronx River Alliance, one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s longtime partners. The Alliance was formed to continue the decades of grassroots work to restore the Bronx River — a mission that extends to the green spaces along the river because of their impact on the overall health of the river.
CREATING A FOREST FOR PEOPLE
For the Bronx River Alliance, caring for the urban canopy is critical. That’s why their partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation has been important, helping them plant 1,614 trees in this area since the fall of 2020.
“Working with the Arbor Day Foundation opens up opportunities to grow more green space, to add more canopy, to reduce the urban heat island effect,
and to increase our ability to capture stormwater,” said Christian Murphy, the ecology and education manager for the Bronx River Alliance. “These are all things that are threatening the Bronx.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, this work is an investment in South Bronx residents. Trees and healthy green space are a source of pride for neighborhoods; the South Bronx isn’t any different.
“The restoration of these areas is tied directly to how people feel about themselves,” said Alyssa Perez, South Bronx resident and communications and development assistant for the Alliance.
THE RETURN OF WILDLIFE
Nature is giving its own signals that the area is improving. In 2007, the Bronx River hosted its first beaver pair in two centuries. And in 2023, two dolphins were spotted snacking on fish in the river before heading back out to sea.
“It’s motivation to keep going,” said Murphy.
As efforts to clean up the Bronx River progress, a better future is being planted one tree at a time.
RESTORING ECOSYSTEM BALANCE IN
THE FACE OF DEFORESTATION
Guatemalans are committed to preserving biodiversity and improving the climate
Towering volcanic mountains, dense and lush forest canopy, a cacophony of sounds from the creatures that can be found amid the trees. The Western Highlands of Guatemala are a magical experience that enlivens the senses. Beyond natural wonder, it is also a place where culture and tradition thrive — a region particularly rooted in Mayan history and customs that span thousands of years.
The beauty and history of the Western Highlands is punctuated by the forests found here — forests that are struggling to survive in the wake of human destruction.
THE UNFORTUNATE REALITY THE FOREST IS FACING
The highland forestland is a hub of biodiversity — ensuring the survival of some of the rarest and most unique life on the planet, from salamanders to pumas to brightly colored birds. Because of this, Guatemala has been officially designated as a biodiversity hotspot by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. But challenges abound for the trees that can provide so much abundance. The land is being cleared at an alarming rate for cattle ranching, and mangroves are being removed to make room for commercial shrimp farms — culminating in Guatemala losing around 1.5% of forest cover every year.
Other threats to the land then crash in like falling dominoes. Without the trees, landslides become a frightening reality, and rivers fill with sediment as the soil is washed away. That leads to flooding because the waterways are overflowing with sediment. And the terrain left in the aftermath is devoid of fertile soil, meaning nothing will grow.
What’s left of the forests are clearcut areas in a degraded state with no ability to regenerate naturally. Loss of wildlife habitat means that many species will struggle to survive. Lack of tree canopy leads to a shift in the microclimate, leading to warmer temperatures and less moisture.
A TIME TO PLANT HOPE
Tree planting has the power to forge a better future for this forested region, but it will take a proverbial village. That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation and The Nature
Conservancy (TNC) are working with the Guatemalan government and 12 local Mayan groups to replant the region. So far, the Foundation has helped to plant 200,000 trees in this area.
“For us, recovering the forest is recovering our diversity and recovering our identity as Guatemala,” said Jorge Cardona, a biologist and sustainable lands manager for TNC.
The work is taking shape in a focused restoration program that helps Indigenous communities reestablish the forest. It incentivizes people who want to plant trees and pays them a stipend to care for those trees for six years. The formula leads to a more than 90% survival rate.
“At the end of six years, the communities will have a forest they can use,” Cardona says.
Through a focus on restoring the natural landscape and a strong collective partnership, tree planting is rewriting Guatemala’s story.
It’s undeniable that trees are the difference, especially in areas the Arbor Day Foundation has identified as global priority regions in desperate need of trees. With partners and supporters, we’re planting at scale with focus and intention.
More to the Story: Dive deeper into the tree planting work happening in Guatemala at arborday.org/guatemala
BENEFITS BEYOND YOUR BACKYARD
Your yard’s trees connect to create a world of good
See that tree in your yard? It’s doing a whole lot of good for the whole community, regardless as to why it was planted in the first place. Maybe you planted it to shade your porch and lower your utility bill. Perhaps it was placed to improve the view from your kitchen window. Or you could have added it to produce enough peaches for your homemade preserves.
Whatever your reasons for planting a tree in your yard, if you live in a city or town of any size, that tree is an important part of the community’s tree canopy. And it is providing profound layers of good for everyone.
Cooling Shade: The canopy of your tree helps to lower city temps by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, shielding us from the dangers of urban heat island effect.
Cleaner Air: Leaves filter airborne pollutants to improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Rainwater Management: A mature tree can intercept 1,000 gallons of rainwater per year, a critical function in preventing floods.
Wildlife Habitat: Your tree provides food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, pollinators, and small animals.
Community Well-being: The presence of trees improves mental health and promotes physical activity.
This isn’t even a complete list of all the amazing things your tree is doing for you and your neighbors. And when combined with the other trees in your community, all those layers of good stack up to a better quality of life for everyone.
Find planting and care tips to keep your part of the urban forest thriving at arborday.org/treecare
HONORING LOSS
Putting down roots for a lasting memorial
Trees have a way of putting life into perspective, standing as a symbol of stability. Perhaps that’s why we turn to them to memorialize what — and who — we hold dear.
In the last five years, people have planted 14.7 million trees through Trees in Memory, an Arbor Day Foundation program that enables individuals to have trees planted in a forest as a tribute to loved ones. The Foundation also works with partners to hold memorial plantings in communities struggling with loss.
Following a dangerous heat dome in 2021, Oregon was left reeling. Megan Van de Mark, deputy director of local planting partner Friends of Trees, noted that East Multnomah County was hardest hit.
“There was an intersection of lack of air conditioning, lack of tree canopy, high quantities of pavement, and other physical, financial, and social constraints,” she said.
In this area alone, 72 lives were lost. Naturally, people wanted a meaningful way to remember them. With support from Multnomah County and the Foundation, Friends of Trees volunteers planted 72 memorial trees and added trees to yards for much-needed shade.
“There was a different level of thoughtfulness with this planting,” said Van de Mark. “We wanted to make sure every tree was planted perfectly to really honor these individuals.”
See how you can honor loved ones at arborday.org/memory
THE FUTURE IS COUNTING ON YOU
We all have a role to play in shaping a greener future. One with a thriving neighborhood tree canopy, vibrant forest ecosystems, and a healthier planet for future generations. This is a future that’s going to take all of us doing everything we can.
Here’s your moment to make an impact that will last well beyond your lifetime. With help from the Arbor Day Foundation, you can leave a legacy through trees.
To learn more about gift planning, go to arborday.org/planning or scan the QR code.
We are here to help: Erin Mousel 888-448-7337, ext. 9614 giftplanning@arborday.org
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LEYLAND CYPRESS
Cupressocyparis x leylandii
The Leyland cypress has found widespread popularity throughout much of the country for a few reasons. For one, this evergreen can thrive in a wide variety of soil and climate conditions. It is also one of the preferred Christmas trees in the southeastern U.S.
Perhaps its most common use, though, is in hedges and windbreaks. Dense branching and feather-soft foliage create a nice living barrier, and this species can be pruned and shaped repeatedly. But don’t be hesitant to plant the Leyland cypress as a singular standout in your landscape. That tall, slender shape is sure to shine.
This tree is suitable for hardiness zones 6–10. It’s a fast-growing species that will reach a height of 60–70 feet with a spread of 15–25 feet.
To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/leyland 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
We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!
