YEAR TWO!

Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, United States

Mississippi River Valley

The Mississippi Delta was once a 24-million-acre forested wetland. Today only 4.4 million forested acres remain, mostly in small patches, leading to water quality and habitat issues. Tree planting efforts will improve critical habitat for threatened and endangered species and protect the water quality of the rivers and streams within the delta.

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British Columbia, Canada

In 2017, the Hanceville Fire raged through British Columbia, burning 240,000 hectares of land. Because of the extreme heat, portions of burned forestland cannot regenerate naturally and must be replanted. Replanting will ensure that area residents will continue to enjoy all the benefits of the forest, including clean air and water.

British Columbia, Canada

The Elephant Hill fire of 2017 consumed 1,920 square kilometers of land, leaving it charred and unable to naturally regenerate. This level of destruction took a huge toll on not only the forests but also the surrounding ecosystems. Replanting efforts will help to restore the natural state of the land, improve wildlife habitat, sequester carbon, and protect local waterways.

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California, United States

California Wildfire Restoration

This reforestation effort aims to help residents recover from the many wildfires that have burned through California, including the Carr and Camp Fires. The 2018 wildfire season saw an estimated 8,000 fires burning through more than 1.8 million acres of forestland between July and December. Replanting will ensure that communities around the state won’t face increasing challenges such as mudslides and degraded soil, water, and air quality.

Florida, United States

Tyndall Air Force Base

In October of 2018, Hurricane Michael passed directly over Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, Florida. The Category 5 hurricane caused major wind and water damage including 12,000 acres of mature slash pine trees snapped in half. While funding was available for the cleanup effort following the severe storm damage, support is needed to replace the trees and ensure a healthy, forested future for this ground.

Georgia, United States

Georgia Watersheds

The health of our waterways often begins with forested watersheds. In Georgia, we are working with The Nature Conservancy and several other local partners to improve tree cover in four areas of the state, protecting waterway health and providing critical habitat for local wildlife.

Haiti

Haiti’s mangrove forests help to stabilize shorelines, improve the quality of the water, and provide a natural habitat for fish and other coastal sea life in addition to supporting coral reef health. Working with Eden Reforestation Projects, we will be helping to restore mangrove trees in coastal marsh systems in southern Haiti.

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Michigan, United States

Michigan State Forest Lands

Together with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, we are working to replant several of Michigan’s state forests on a large scale. These efforts will replant native tree species to return this area to its natural state and improve area watershed health. The pine forests will grow to provide habitat for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler as well as other wildlife.

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Montana, United States

Bitterroot National Forest

Mountain pine beetle outbreaks have severely damaged the forest cover in the Ambrose Saddle area of Bitterroot National Forest over the years. Reforestation in this area with a mix of tree species will promote insect and disease resiliency, restore habitat for wildlife, reduce soil erosion, and return this area to its original forested state.

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Montana, United States

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Large wildfires have plagued this forest since 2000, and much of the forest cover is struggling to regenerate on its own due to the intensity of the fires. Tree planting efforts will speed up the recovery of the forest habitat for area wildlife as well as improve area watershed health.

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Nebraska, United States

Nebraska National Forest

The rugged landscape of the Nebraska National Forest’s Pine Ridge District is a treat amid the central plains. Catastrophic wildfires, however, blazed through this National Forest in 2006 and again in 2012, wiping out much of the area’s Ponderosa Pine stands. Aggressive reforestation is needed to reestablish this tree species in the high-intensity burn areas that are incapable of natural regeneration.

Nicaragua

To help support small-scale farming families in Nicaragua, the Arbor Day Foundation is working with Taking Root through its CommuniTrees program. Together, we’re helping to build financial security and sustainable livelihoods — along with a stronger tree canopy — by reforesting previously underused land.

North Carolina, United States

Bladen Lakes State Forest

In September of 2018, North Carolina was hit by Hurricane Florence. With it came flooding of the Cape Fear River that destroyed young forest trees in Bladen Lakes State Forest. This project will replant forest areas affected by flooding, restore critical habitat for area wildlife, and ensure that new forest plantings can withstand potential future flooding events.

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Oregon, United States

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

In 2017, the Chetco Bar Fire burned more than 170,000 acres of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, leaving in its wake limited opportunity for successful natural regeneration. This replanting work is critical to ensure a resilient tree line and habitat for wildlife.

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Oregon, United States

Willamette River Basin

The iconic Willamette River is 187 miles in length, drains a 11,478-square-mile area (12% of Oregon’s landscape), and serves as a major tributary of the Columbia River. Tree planting efforts here will protect the watershed area of a basin that is home to two-thirds of Oregon’s population and generates 75% of its economic output. This project will reestablish forests to ensure clean drinking water for residents as well as improve water quality and habitat for wildlife dependent upon this area.

South Carolina, United States

The longleaf pine ecosystem supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, many relying solely on this type of habitat. But over time, longleaf pine forests have dwindled. Replanting work is underway in South Carolina to restore longleaf pine stands and support rare wildlife including the gopher tortoise and red-cockaded woodpecker.

Southeastern United States

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina

Longleaf pine forests have been disappearing at an alarming rate throughout the southeastern portion of the U.S., leading to a decline in the quality of area watersheds and wildlife habitat. Work is underway with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to reestablish these trees on both public and private land.

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Virginia, United States

Rappahannock River Watershed

The Rappahannock River watershed encompasses 2,700 square miles. Within this area, thousands of miles of streams are without riparian buffers and suffer from high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. The watershed faces additional challenges due to urban development. Trees must be planted to prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitat, and reduce pollution levels in waterways.

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Washington, United States

Washington State Lands

We are working with the Washington Department of Natural Resources to improve overall forest health throughout the State of Washington. Replanting efforts are focused on providing forest resiliency for areas affected by disease and insect damage, restoring riparian zones, improving habitat for the threatened northern spotted owl, and ensuring healthy and diverse mixed-species tree stands.

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Burundi

Burundi is one the poorest and most deforested countries in the world — with a vicious cycle of ever-increasing poverty, deforestation, and land degradation. In addition to establishing tree nurseries and planting trees, this project works to break the cycle through education. Farmers can learn about sustainable farming and the benefits of trees for their families and their communities.

Kenya

Kenya’s Kijabe Forest has historically been one of Kenya’s five nationally important water towers, which provide an estimated 75 percent of the country’s water resources. Over the past 15 years, however, the forest has been cleared for charcoal and timber, creating dramatic and damaging impacts for wildlife, infrastructure, and quality of life. The goal of planting 1.5 million trees will help reestablish a sustainable water supply through protecting and replanting around springs and rivers. These trees will also restore, habitat for wildlife, stabilize steep slopes prone to landslides, and secure livelihoods.

Madagascar

Mangroves

In the coastal zones of Madagascar, mangroves are critical. With increasing mangrove deforestation, these areas are facing destabilized coastline and an increased vulnerability to storms and severe weather events. We are working to strategically restore mangroves along the coast of Madagascar to help preserve this unique ecosystem.

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Madagascar

Kianjavato Mountain Range

Our partnership with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership is focused on reversing the destruction of forest habitat that is home to critically endangered lemurs and other wildlife species found nowhere else on Earth. Tree planting efforts are underway to rebuild the lush landscape. Locals are becoming actively involved in reestablishing the rain forest canopy there, creating habitat for lemurs and a better way of life for the people of Madagascar.

Mozambique

In response to the large-scale loss of mangroves in Mozambique, we are working with partners to provide support for local communities to plant and manage mangrove forests.This offers long - term employment and livelihood improvements – particularly the empowerment of women – while helping to protect coastal communities from environmental disasters, improving fisheries, and removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Senegal

Fatick and Kaffrine Regions

We are working with Trees for the Future to create Forest Garden projects throughout the Fatick and Kaffrine regions of Senegal. Farmers will plant a variety of fruit and nut trees that will help restore landscapes while improving food security and the livelihoods of families in rural communities.

Sierra Leone

Freetown Peninsula

Now facing the alarming effects of deforestation, including catastrophic mudslides, officials in this area are working to provide the benefits of trees to urban and suburban areas. Efforts through this project are focused on providing residents with the opportunity to plant and care for a tree within their community to build greater environmental resiliency.

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China

China is one of the most affected countries in the world by desertification. In Minquin County alone, the desertification area accounts for nearly 95% of the total land area. As the young workforce leaves for an urban life, local residents face the reality of becoming ecological refugees. By planting indigenous trees, stabilizing sand dunes, training local community members and creating job opportunities, the fate of Minquin County can be improved significantly.

India

Southern India’s Cauvery River Basin is in crisis. The river has shrunk by an estimated 40% from its historical flows over 70 years. This is resulting in drinking water scarcity. A loss of tree cover has also contributed to poor soil health. Reforesting this river basin and educating farmers about agroforestry practices will help to stabilize the river and improve soil conditions over time.

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Indonesia

West Papua, Indonesia, situated in the Coral Triangle, is an area recognized as the global center of marine biodiversity and a global priority for conservation. Biak Island is one of the poorest areas of Indonesia where subsistence farmers and fishers make up approximately 75% of the population. This project will focus on restoring mangroves and tropical forests in this area and to promote food security by helping local people plant agroforestry trees.

Nepal

Chitwan National Park hosts more than 700 species of wildlife including leopards and the elusive Bengal tiger. Replanting efforts here are focused on improving livelihoods for those who call Nepal home and restoring forests in areas of critical importance. The planting sites are located in upland areas of the mountainous Nawalparasi District, along lowland alluvial plains, and around Chitwan National Park as a means of developing a buffer zone around this national treasure.

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Thailand

Mae Hong Son Province

Unsustainable logging practices and changes in land use have left Thailand with a significant loss of rain forest canopy. Replanting is underway, with a goal of restoring forestlands while improving the quality of life for local residents. The newly planted trees will also grow to serve as habitat for endangered species such as tortoises and Asian elephants.

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Turkey

İzmir Province

After generations of deforestation and land use change, this region of Turkey is facing a real need for forest restoration. Red pines are being planted in an effort to return the land to its natural state — ensuring cleaner air, cleaner water, carbon storage, better flood prevention, and habitat for area wildlife.

Central and Northern Victoria

Over the years, this area has faced a tremendous amount of deforestation due to various industries and rapid population growth. The result is very fragmented forestland that is struggling to support area wildlife. Replanting efforts will create forested corridors to connect three area National Parks — providing better habitat for animal species and a healthier ecosystem overall.

East Queensland

Many forested areas in Queensland, Australia have been cleared for surface mining and agricultural use. Our ongoing replanting efforts will help protect the area’s rare wildlife populations, including turtle species, wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, and koalas, as well as water leading to the Great Barrier Reef.

France

While France currently has the fourth-largest forested area in Europe, the rate of reforestation has dramatically slowed since the 1990s. In order to meet the challenges of climate change, natural disasters, and disease, reforestation is imperative. Working with partner ReforestAction, we will help to ensure a resilient tree cover that provides a full range of ecological benefits.

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Ireland

Working with the group Trees on the Land, we are helping to establish tree cover and woodlands in both rural and urban areas of the Republic of Ireland. These newly planted forests will grow and provide valuable resources, ecosystem benefits, and a lasting legacy for future generations.

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Spain

Palencia

Spanning 18.4 million hectares, the Spanish forest is the third largest forest area in Europe. Invaluable in every way, it is highly beneficial to its environment: preserving local biodiversity, filtering water, preventing soil erosion, and more. However, diseases, fires, and storms have taken a toll on Spanish forestland. Support is needed so replanting efforts can continue.

United Kingdom

Woodland Sites

Partnering with the Woodland Trust, the Arbor Day Foundation is working to support private landowners interested in planting trees on barren sites in need of tree cover. The goal is to engage local landowners in the benefits of tree planting and agroforestry and create new woodland in one of the least-forested regions in Europe.

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United Kingdom

Urban Sites

Cities throughout the United Kingdom are looking for ways to expand their urban tree canopy. Planting efforts will focus on areas with the greatest need for trees, and local residents will be included in the tree plantings where possible. These new trees will help to not only green the cities in which they are planted but also improve the lives of those who live there.

United Kingdom

Mersey Forest

The Mersey Forest is one of England's 10 Community Forests, which together form the country’s largest environmental regeneration initiative. Tree planting efforts here will help fight climate change, clean the region’s air and water, and ultimately create healthier communities.

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru

Andes Mountains

A large-scale restoration initiative — known as Acción Andina — is focused on replanting an overlooked, yet critically important ecosystem within the world’s longest continental mountain range. Native trees will be planted to ensure long-term climate resilience and water security for those who call this region home.

Brazil

Amazon Rain Forest

In the face of deforestation and devastation, the Arbor Day Foundation is dedicated to helping restore indigenous lands in the Brazilian Amazon. Our work with local partner Forest Trends will provide food security and income alternatives for thousands of indigenous people while contributing to conservation efforts and helping mitigate climate change.

Brazil

Atlantic Forest

The country’s Atlantic Forest has faced centuries of degradation due to agriculture, illegal logging, and development. This tropical jungle has lost nearly 90% of its original footprint. Restoration of this tropical landscape will mean clean water for more than 100 million South Americans.

Peru

Peru’s rain forest lands have faced large-scale deforestation due to inefficient agricultural practices. Tree planting efforts here will help to restore deforested land and create opportunities for shade-grown crops such as coffee and cocoa. Through this approach, the rain forest can remain intact and local farmers gain a sustainable source of income.