WHY PLANT TREES?

By planting 50 million trees on our National Forests, we are investing in healthy forests for today and for future generations. Together, we’ll restore tens of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat, from the longleaf pine forests of Florida to the cedar groves of Alaska.

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With your help, we’ll protect the watersheds that provide life’s most sustaining resource for cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle and thousands of other communities. And as these trees grow, trees you helped to plant, they’ll help fight global climate change and ensure wildlife have healthy places to live.

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Watershed Health

Our National Forests are the largest single source of fresh water in the United States, supplying millions of Americans with water. Reforestation helps halt soil erosion, and ensure that our forests can filter and supply the water that we all depend on.

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Forest Health and Resiliency

Reforestation after disturbances improves forest health. By planting the right species, reforestation helps makes our forests more resilient to future challenges like climate change and wildfire.

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Wildlife Habitat

Our National Forests provide habitat for an incredible diversity of wildlife. These lands provide habitat for more than 3,000 vertebrate species and innumerable invertebrates. Nearly one third of federally listed threatened and endangered species (more than 400 species) are known to depend upon National Forest habitats.

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Air Quality

As trees grow and consume air, they remove harmful pollutants from the air. Reforestation helps re-establish forest cover and improve our “natural air filter.”

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Climate Mitigation

U.S. forests offset between 10 to 20 percent of U.S. emissions each year. Reforestation helps sustain and increase the carbon sequestration potential of our forests, mitigating the effects of global climate change.

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Seed Source for the Future

Disturbances can sometimes be so severe that they can affect the forests ability to regenerate for decades to come. Planting trees helps establish a seed source to give our forests a better shot at quick recovery.

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Well-being

The links between our mental and physical well-being and nature are clear. We’re happier and less stressed when we spend time in nature. By replanting our forests, we’re helping to make more space you to find peace of mind.

 

Partnerships

Tree planting brings us together. Working together with businesses, individuals and our partners at the U.S. Forest Service, we engage more people in caring for our forests.

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Recreation

Our National Forests provide Americans with endless opportunities to go play. Reforestation helps improve the quality of recreational visits for the estimated 160 million visits per year.

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Jobs

Our tree planting projects are planted by professional forestry workers. In addition to restoring forest cover, our projects make sure there is sustained economic opportunity for these professionals

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