It’s more than just planting.
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest member nonprofit dedicated to planting trees. Our strength is in network – a diverse group of individuals, municipalities, corporations, and planting organizations that enable us to plant trees around the world. We intentionally collaborate with partners who are deeply engaged in the areas they serve to plant the right trees in the right places to have the greatest impact.
For more than 50 years, we’ve helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods and forests across more than 50 countries. And we’re just getting started.
500 Million Trees and Counting
Now more than ever, the world needs the powerful benefits of trees to safeguard the health of our climate, our communities, and the biodiversity of the planet. We are answering the call by pursuing our next ambitious goal: planting 500 million more trees by 2027, with a focus on forests and neighborhoods of greatest need.
Our Roots Run Deep
We're proud of our milestones and continue to lead the way in the industry.
-
1972
Arbor Day Foundation
is formedArbor Day, the nation’s tree planting holiday, was first celebrated in 1872. The Arbor Day Foundation was created 100 years later to carry out its mission on a year-round basis.
-
1976
Tree City USA® Begins
A partnership with the USDA Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters, Tree City USA was founded to encourage cities nationwide to care for and celebrate their urban forests. In its first year, 46 cities participated; today more than 3,600 communities are recognized.
-
1977
Membership Program Launches
Arbor Day Foundation membership program launches, with an offer of 10 free trees. Today, thanks to our members, trees are being planted in yards and forests across the country and around the globe.
-
1990
Partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Begins
This longstanding collaboration between the Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service ensures that trees are planted in America’s national forests in need of reforestation.
-
1993
Lied Lodge Opens at Arbor Day Farm®
The opening of Lied Lodge created a new hub for rest, relaxation, and enjoyment of Arbor Day Farm’s 260 acres.
-
2005
Community Tree Recovery™ debuts
Through the Community Tree Recovery program, residents who have lost trees to wildfires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and insect infestation can receive free trees to plant in their yard.
-
2008
Tree Campus USA® Launches
Currently known as Tree Campus® Higher Education, this program gets it start with 29 colleges and universities recognized for following best tree care practices on campus. Today, nearly 400 campuses are recognized.
-
2016
Alliance for Community Trees® Program
This nationwide network — consisting of community-based organizations dedicated to planting and caring for trees — becomes a program of the Arbor Day Foundation.
-
2017
Global reach includes 26 countries
Our work expands around the globe through tree planting and rain forest preservation. These efforts include trusted local partners and a dedication to reforestation where it’s needed most.
-
2018
Tree Cities of the World™ launches
An expansion of Tree City USA, Tree Cities of the World was launched as a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization. The program celebrates global cities committed to growing their urban forests.
-
2018
Time for Trees® Initiative Announced
This bold initiative aimed to plant 100 million trees and engage 5 million tree planters by the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day, April 2022. We not only accomplished this goal, but completed it one year early.
-
2019
#TeamTrees® Partnership
Led by YouTube star Mr. Beast, this online movement funded more than 20 million trees in 56 days. The campaign was the largest crowdfunding effort in YouTube’s history and one of the fastest-growing environmental fundraising initiatives ever.
-
2021
Global reach includes 55 countries
The Foundation increases its global partnerships and tree planting efforts, spreading our impact to every continent except Antarctica.
-
2022
Our 50th anniversary
We celebrated five decades of planting nearly 500 million trees around the world.
-
2023
More than 500 million trees planted
The Foundation surpassed the milestone of helping plant more than 500 million trees around the world and is working toward its next goal: planting 500 million more by 2027 with a focus on neighborhoods and forests of greatest need.
About Arbor Day
Known as the tree planter’s holiday, Arbor Day is a day for people to come together in recognition of the wonders of trees. Communities, schools, businesses, and individuals alike join together to plant commemorative trees, hand out free trees, provide education on tree planting and care, and celebrate all the benefits trees provide.
National Arbor Day is always celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on best tree planting times in their area. This celebration of trees, however, is not limited to the U.S. Countries around the world celebrate Arbor Day or a similar holiday dedicated to trees.
Celebrate Arbor Day
Find ideas and events.
History of Arbor Day
Learn how this holiday got its start.
