Hurricanes killed hundreds of people and caused damage across large swaths of the United States in 2024, including the destruction of countless trees in the South. The Arbor Day Foundation vowed to replant 10 million trees to replace those lost in the six most storm-ravaged states.
The Nebraska-based nonprofit organization told The Guardian on Tuesday, Dec. 31, that it is the largest project the group has taken on.
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New year, new trees
Arbor Day Foundation officials said they will replant various species of native trees with the help of 25,000 volunteers over four years. Trees will be planted in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The nonprofit organization revealed it will start with community giveaways and evolve those efforts into replanting trees at the beginning of 2025.
Officials with the project said a major area of early attention would be schools, low-income neighborhoods and community spaces.
The Arbor Day Foundation noted trees are vital to communities.
Helping communities rebuild
Project managers said the replanted trees will reduce stormwater runoff, provide shade in hot summer months and reduce electric bills by providing a much-needed cooling effect on homes.
The group will replant fruit trees in “food deserts,” areas where residents have limited access to fresh fruit or produce.
Some of the largest undertakings will reportedly happen in parts of Florida and North Carolina.
In an October 2024 statement, the nonprofit announced its intention to replant the millions of trees.
“In seeing the devastation of Helene and Milton, we felt a strong pull to make a bold commitment to recovery, and we weren’t alone,” the statement said.
The Arbor Day Foundation noted it “received an outpouring of calls and emails from people eager to help.”
