One of the first recognition programs from the
Arbor Day Foundation began in 1976 as a way to
regreen communities all across the United States.
The Tree City USA founders believed that encour-
aging residents to band together and plant trees
in their neighborhoods would create a sense of
civic pride and solidarity. More than 40 years
later, that belief is still held firm alongside the
many other environmental benefits trees have.
Once the new era of environmentalism took off
in the 1970s, people started to understand that
trees do much more than previously realized. Trees
take care of the air, water, and wildlife every-
where they exist. Trees are considered the lungs
of the earth because they take in carbon dioxide
and release oxygen. Trees help reduce stormwater
runoff and the amount of sediment, pollutants,
and organic matter that reach streams. Planting
trees is also a great way to encourage local biodi-
versity in urban communities. Trees are an ideal
way to reintegrate nature into communities.
The Arbor Day Foundation began the Community
Tree Recovery Program in 2005 after the devasting
impact of Hurricane Katrina. The loss of nearly
320 million large trees motivated the Arbor Day
Foundation to help communities heal and restore
hope in the form of trees. The program has quickly
grown to provide aid across the country and even
internationally. Municipalities and nonprofits are
encouraged to apply for Community Tree Recovery
and/or Community Engagement Grants here.
"Our Community Tree Recovery program arose out
of the great need for trees in the wake of natural
disasters," says Lachel Bradley-Williams, events
and engagement manager, Arbor Day Foundation.
"Planting a tree in your yard, neighborhood, or
local park with friends, family, and community is
an uplifting, therapeutic, and inspirational experi-
ence—one that we are very grateful to be a part of.
Through this program, individuals seeking relief, near
and far, come together to plant roots for the future."
24 CityTREES
Through this
program, individuals
seeking relief, near
and far, come
together to plant
roots for the future.
COVID-safe tree distribution in
Indianapolis, Indiana in spring of 2021.
