The Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) has announced its most ambitious initiative yet: planting 10 million trees over the next four years to restore areas devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Targeting forestlands and communities in six states — North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia — this effort aims to heal ecosystems, reduce storm impacts, and bring life back to affected neighborhoods.
ADF’s Chief Executive Dan Lambe emphasized the dual emotional and environmental importance of the project. “Trees are not a luxury — they’re a necessity,” Lambe said. “They reduce heat, improve biodiversity, and enhance resilience to future storms.” Volunteers will focus on areas like Tampa Bay, where widespread tree loss has affected shade, air quality, and stormwater management, and historic Asheville, NC, which suffered unexpected devastation.
This initiative, supported by local and national partners, promises to be transformative, with efforts extending to food deserts and schools, where fruit and shade trees will offer both practical and symbolic renewal.