Meeting the moment with trees and action
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to planting trees. Since 1972, we’ve planted more than half a billion trees in over 60 countries. But the world needs more. And it needs them now. That’s why we’re on a mission to plant our next 500 million by 2027 with a dedicated focus on forests and communities most in need of trees.
We all have a role in shaping the future. It’s why we make it possible for anyone to make a difference with trees from exactly where they are.
We bring together the world’s largest community of tree planters and connect them with meaningful resources from members, individuals, and corporations. So, whether with support or shovels, we turn ambition into trees planted at a massive scale.
A better future is calling
If we all plant a tree, we can change our corner of the world. If we all plant many, we can change the future.
We are bold enough to believe in a better world. That’s because we’ve seen the power of trees to take on challenges critical to our survival.
Trees in forests clean water for more than half the U.S. population and are home to more than 80% of life on Earth. Neighborhood trees tame deadly summer heat and make communities more resilient to stronger storms. They also make streets happier and healthier. No matter why they’re planted, trees do layers of good for generations.
How we live our mission
We make anyone a tree planter
Whether with affordable access to trees from our nursery or through supporting massive planting efforts, anyone can make a difference with us. Through our global planting partners, we can fuel projects in communities and forests anywhere. We leverage a combination of science and our partners’ local expertise to make sure the right trees are planted in the right places for the right reasons.
Trees bring people together to do great things
We can’t meet this moment alone. But collectively, we can make a difference. It’s why we bring together a vast and vibrant network of individuals, corporations, and planting organizations making the world better through trees. And because growth goes well beyond planting, we facilitate education, guides, webinars, resources, networking, conferences, and more to move the field of trees forward.
Elevating the role of trees
We’ve seen the profound good trees can do. It’s why we work to build greater understanding of why we need them. We celebrate the success of our partners and recognize communities, campuses, and utilities for committing to a framework that ensures urban forestry programs thrive. We share the perspectives of those who directly feel the effects of our planting projects, so whether through stories or reporting dashboards, you know how your support is making a real difference.
Small acts lead up to global good. People like you are empowering stories from down the block and around the globe.
About our holiday
The Arbor Day holiday began in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in 1872 with a simple idea: to celebrate planting trees. Today, what’s often called the “tree planter’s holiday,” is celebrated in all 50 states and around the world. National Arbor Day takes place on the last Friday in April, but many regions celebrate during the best time to plant trees in their area.