Arbor Day Foundation

Equitable community forestry isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about creating lasting, positive change that is informed by the communities we serve. It’s why we’re proud to partner with experts like Dr. Christine Carmichael, a leader in enhancing multicultural partnerships, particularly in urban forestry, parks, and greenspace management. From correcting past mistakes to recruiting diverse voices for leadership, there are real steps we can take to ensure planting projects are informed by the needs of communities, so the right trees are planted in the right places for the right reasons.  Take a deeper dive into 5 key insights from Dr. Carmichael for strategies that build trust, empower communities, and create sustainable green spaces for all. 👉 https://bit.ly/4b3mhpY

They shape the neighborhoods we grow up in, the parks we retreat to, the playgrounds we learn in, and the forests we explore. Our storyline may bend, change, even roam from time to time. Yet, quietly and humbly trees are steadfast characters in the backdrop of our lives.

It’s Arbor Day month, and the world needs trees more than ever. So make a plan to grow from where you are. Support reforestation, plant trees in your yard, volunteer, bring a friend, do whatever you can to make the world a better place. Because when we plant trees together, we can grow a better future. This Arbor Day, let’s grow. https://lnkd.in/gxWASk8E

In Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest, the world’s largest concentration of bioluminescent mushrooms glow from the forest floor. Because they grow under the canopy of a dense forest, these mushrooms have less exposure to wind to spread their spores. So, they’ve adapted, appealing to insects with scent and shine to help carry their spores. These little glowing powerhouses shine a light on the incredible biodiversity of the region and how the health of every living thing — glowing or not — is interconnected. Trees need fungi to maintain soil health and protect from certain pests and diseases. Fungi need the warm, humid conditions of the forest to thrive. Planting trees in the Atlantic Rainforest helps safeguard one of the most biodiverse places in the world, and helps glowing wonders like these thrive. 📸 Instituto de Química, University of São Paolo

The iconic monarch butterfly has an extraordinary migration pattern, flying from Canada all the way to Mexico to rest and lay eggs in the oyamel fir trees in the hills of Estado de México. But decades of logging and changing weather patterns have put the survival of this species under threat. In fact, last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to protect the monarch under the Endangered Species Act. The disappearance of the oyamel forest has far-reaching impacts on not only this key pollinator but on the health and water quality for more than 6 million people. It’s why we worked with CONAFOR (Mexican Ministry of Forestry) and CONANP (Ministry of Protected Natural Areas), the local community, and World Wildlife Fund to plant in degraded areas. In an encouraging report, the eastern monarch butterfly nearly doubled in 2025. This is hopeful news, but their overall population remains well below the long-term average. It’s why restoring and protecting oyamel fir in this vulnerable region is more pressing now than ever.

While we plant all over the world, we work with a special focus on where trees can do the most good. In forests we use a combination of GIS mapping, environmental and social data, and science to focus our work in key priority regions. In communities, we use block-by-block mapping, public data, and image recognition software to assess canopy. In both of these places we combine this information with invaluable guidance from our on-the-ground planting partners. Their local knowledge combined with this data-based approach ensures we’re putting the right trees in the right places for the right reasons.

The Arbor Day Foundation is proud to team up with Subaru of America and more than 600 of its incredible retailers nationwide in the largest corporate community tree distribution program in the U.S. Together, we're providing 100,000 regionally appropriate trees across the country to help grow a greener, healthier future. Loving the Earth with our friends at Subaru is making the world better for all of us. Learn more about the program at arborday.org/Subaru

It takes all of us to change the future. Not only are your eco-friendly habits making a difference in your corner of the world, they're adding to the collective good our global network is doing together. You’re joining corporations restoring vast forests. Community organizers greening their streets. Volunteers helping replant neighborhoods after storms. We each have a role to play. We do our part by planting trees where they're needed most. So, when you pledge to do yours with one eco-friendly habit, we’ll plant a tree for you. Join us at https://bit.ly/3EAbs2k

Looking to kick-start your windbreak? Jennifer L. at Martha Stewart penned this roundup of some of the best quick-growing trees to shield your home from wind or to create a private oasis. When choosing your trees, look for species native to your location and right for your hardiness zone. It’s also a good idea to plant a diverse mix of trees and shrubs to make your landscape more resistant to pests, diseases, or drought. With a little planning and the right trees for the right places, you’ll be on your way to windbreak success. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gnJ4p89A

In Dallas, the average coverage of tree canopy sits at around 32%. But these trees are not found evenly across the metro area. And in a place where summer temperatures continue to climb, that can be a problem. It’s why we plant with a special focus on areas that need trees most. Once a vacant lot, the Sunnyvale Vegetable Farm is taking root in a neighborhood with only 2% tree canopy coverage. This area is also a food desert, which means fresh fruit isn’t always accessible nearby. Along with our partners, we planted 30 trees here to grow relief from urban heat islands and provide nutritious food for the community, including Mexican plums, peach, pecans, and pomegranates.