The urban and community forestry projects reached all 50 US states and 28 other countries

Newly released annual data from the Arbor Day Foundation shows the nonprofit helped to plant and distribute more than 1.7 million trees in cities, towns and communities worldwide in 2023. If planted 10 feet apart, 1.7 million trees could create a tree line from Los Angeles to New York City.

“Urban trees foster strength and vitality in communities big and small, bringing countless benefits to our lives every day,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The demand the Arbor Day Foundation saw for urban trees in 2023 was a clear affirmation of both the immense value in tree planting and the widespread need to expand equitable access to green space in cities and communities.”

Trees planted in cities and neighborhoods have the power to reduce life-threatening heat by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. When planted in the right place, community trees can also help reduce flooding, limit air pollution and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

The 1.7 million trees were planted and distributed across 458 urban and community forestry projects that reached all 50 states and another 28 countries. The record-setting achievement was accomplished in collaboration with nearly 160 local planting partners. The Arbor Day Foundation leverages socioeconomic data and GIS mapping to help identify areas most in need of trees in order to help guide its planting efforts.

The Arbor Day Foundation will continue to expand its reach in urban and community forestry by leveraging a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The award was part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s $1.5 billion investment in tree planting and maintenance in disadvantaged communities across the country.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

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