25 Million Trees

Towering Tree near Fish Creek - August 2024

​A few weeks ago I posted about Wangari Maathai, the resilient and accomplished woman behind the Green Belt Movement which has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya since its inception in 1977. The Green Belt Movement created impactful change, not only by significantly improving the environment with the planted trees, but also empowering women in communities across Kenya by teaching them forestry skills and how to care for the seedlings so that they could earn a wage with each tree that survived at least six months. 

So I was fascinated to learn that the state of New York aims to plant “25 Million Trees by 2033,” an initiative launched by Governor Kathy Hochul in her 2024 State of the State Address. The initiative recognizes the vital importance of trees and forests in both community health and climate mitigation. And the New York State Dept of Environmental Conservation is utilizing the innovative Tree Tracker to document tree plantings.

Any tree planted since January 2024 goes toward the 25 million total. The Tree Tracker is a stellar way to engage the general public; whether a family plants one tree or a school plants 20, they enter the info in the Tree Tracker. The Tracker records locations, planting dates, species, and sizes, and a state-wide map is updated with each new planting. Progress of the trees can be shared and the website provides tips on caring for the planted trees to nurture successful growth. The website also offers a calendar of tree planting events all over the state so volunteers can be a part of a community that plants and cares for trees. In addition, the website includes links to obtain funding for tree planting projects. 

I realize this is not our state, and most of us reading this will not directly benefit from the 25 Million Trees project. I am excited about the project because of the resources committed, what it will accomplish, the community engagement, and the innovation of the Tree Tracker. The 25 Million Trees is a large-scale answer to a large-scale problem. It builds community by bringing people together for events, educates folks of all ages, and provides opportunities for time outdoors and beautifying parks, streets, and private lands. 

A brilliant solution backed by action and real resources. More of these, please.


Sources/Learn More

• The Optimist Daily: New York launches interactive Tree Tracker to monitor 25 million tree goal. 
• New York State Dept of Environmental Conservation: 25 Million Trees by 2033