Arbor Day Newsletter May/June 2022

M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 2 • A R B O R D AY. O R G

Northern Catalpa Catalpa speciosa Part of the northern catalpa’s scientific name, speciosa, is Latin for “showy.” And at first glance, it’s clear to see why.

Everything about this tree is visually interesting — from its large, heartshaped leaves to its white, trumpetshaped flowers. It’s also hardy and grows quickly. Those winning qualities have led it to become one of the most popular shade trees in the United States.

FLOWERS: Large, white, trumpetshaped, and mildly fragrant. Its petals feature yellow and purple lines and spots.

FRUIT: Bean-like pods, 8–20 inches long and ¼–½ inch wide. The pods start off green and turn brown when ripe.

FORM: Oval-shaped and large, reaching 60 feet tall at maturity.

Can develop a unique twisting trunk and branches.

Karina Helm

LEAVES: Heart-shaped and distinctively large, reaching up to 12 inches in length and 8 inches in width. Fall foliage is yellow or brown.

BARK: Grayish-brown, breaking into large, scaly plates or ridges with age.

WILDLIFE VALUE: The northern catalpa is the sole host of the catalpa sphinx moth. It is also popular with honeybees and hummingbirds.

To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/catalpa or scan this QR code.

Up for the Challenge: Tackling Climate Change in Boise, Idaho

PLANTING: Prefers full sun or

partial shade. It grows best in deep, moist loam soil but will tolerate a wide range of other conditions, including hot and dry weather. Soil pH of 6.1 (slightly acidic) to 8.0 (alkaline) provides for best growth.

Suitable for hardiness zones 4–8.

An official publication of

.

We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!

© 2022 Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation sometimes exchanges mailing lists with selected organizations with offers of interest to our members. If you do not want your name included, just write, email, or call Member Services and tell us not to exchange your name.

50134201

TREE BASICS

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE,

Dan Lambe

Trees: The Solution to Many Urban Challenges

A RB OR DAY J OU RNA L

I was bowled over by the experience.

The excitement, the passion, the deep connection to trees. It shone through all of them and connected them to each other in a unique and lasting way. Seeing it firsthand was not only fascinating but also fulfilling. The conversations we shared were inspiring for me, a reminder of the importance of trees in our lives and the power they hold to unite us all.

I know it’s not just this particular group of people. Our members as a whole are so very connected by this shared dedication to trees and tree planting.

We see it in the photos you share, the stories you send, and the ways you find to care for our environment. No matter how many other differences we have, we join together in our desire to green our world for future generations.

This passion and commitment has guided us for the past 50 years and will continue to guide us into the future as the Foundation continues to expand its impact around the world.

As we strive to plant more trees and engage more tree planters, I look forward to more opportunities to connect with members like you in a meaningful way — because you are the driving force behind the important work we do for our planet every day.

Volunteers in Wilmington, North Carolina, hand out trees to their fellow residents.

Regreening Wilmington

Breaking Up Heat Islands Tree planting in public and private spaces helps to lower urban temperatures and reduce the health implications of heat stress.

One North Carolina community’s road to recovery after 3 hurricanes

Lowering Energy Costs By planting trees near houses and office buildings, homeowners and businesses alike can reduce summer and winter energy use.

HURRICANE FLORENCE IN 2018. Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Hurricane Isaias in 2020. Each of these storms made their way through the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina.

And with each passing hurricane came more destruction and tree loss.

Through a partnership with the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Tree Recovery program has provided thousands of trees for local residents hoping to restore Wilmington’s once-lush tree canopy. This work began in the fall of 2019, after Hurricane Florence. And the need for trees has only grown with each natural disaster.

This spring, more tree distribution events were held to help restore more tree-lined streets and shady backyards — while also breathing life back into the city. Connie Parker, president of the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, emphasized the importance of these efforts. “The replenishment of Wilmington’s tree canopy is vital. These trees will aid in providing habitat for birds, shading homes, and allowing for a sense of normalcy to return to a hard-hit area.”

Wilmington resident Ronnie Kirkland received two trees at one of the distribution events held in 2020. “After losing two trees in my backyard, one a 40-year-old oak tree, planting the two trees will provide a sense of comfort that once again, my backyard can renew itself,” he said. “And when I am gone, future generations can enjoy them.”

Trees can be an immeasurable source of hope and healing in the wake of natural disasters. Wilmington is one of the many towns we can support thanks to the generosity of Arbor Day Foundation members and partners.

2 ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

Today, our cities and towns are facing significant issues that affect the everyday lives of residents. Rising temperatures, air pollution, flooding, ground contamination and food deserts are just some of the challenges of urban living. And while each presents a completely different problem for urban dwellers, the solution is the same: trees.

On the cover: Reforestation efforts on Boise National Forest are part of the City of Trees Challenge. Learn more on page 4.

Reducing Particulate Matter Pollution Trees act as natural biological filters, cleaning the air of many different pollutants, including particulate matter.

Preventing Urban Flooding Urban trees intercept rain and reduce the volume of stormwater following a storm, meaning less investment in expensive infrastructure and cleaner water when the runoff reaches rivers and lakes.

Tree City USA Bulletin The March/April 2022 bulletin further explains how trees work to improve everyday life in our communities.

TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE BULLETIN, PLEASE VISIT

arborday.org/bulletins

Cleaning Up Contaminated Soil When treated with endophytes, trees can be planted to clean up contamination in water and soil, a process called phytoremediation.

Providing Relief in Food Deserts Community food forests are designed specifically to use public green space to provide fresh food (including fruits and nuts) for neighborhoods.

Community trees are some of the hardest-working trees out there. When planted in the right place, they can be the remedy to many of the issues facing your city — and those who call it home.

@arborday.org

AS I HAVE MENTIONED BEFORE, I am always touched anytime I have the pleasure of interacting with Arbor Day Foundation members during my travels.

Recently, though, I had an opportunity to spend some dedicated time with a group of members.

FOLLOW US AT

facebook.com/arborday

Understanding the Power of Trees Whether in backyards or tropical rain forests, trees work hard to provide the necessities of life. They clean our air and water, provide habitat for wildlife, connect communities, and support our health and well-being. To gain a better understanding of the importance of trees, head to arborday.org/poweroftrees.

Here you will find more detail on how trees play a role in addressing climate change, work to build stronger communities, and support healthy biodiversity. From there, you can also explore our Tree Facts, which highlight examples of the benefits of trees at work in our world.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

7

TREE BASICS

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE,

Dan Lambe

Trees: The Solution to Many Urban Challenges

A RB OR DAY J OU RNA L

I was bowled over by the experience.

The excitement, the passion, the deep connection to trees. It shone through all of them and connected them to each other in a unique and lasting way. Seeing it firsthand was not only fascinating but also fulfilling. The conversations we shared were inspiring for me, a reminder of the importance of trees in our lives and the power they hold to unite us all.

I know it’s not just this particular group of people. Our members as a whole are so very connected by this shared dedication to trees and tree planting.

We see it in the photos you share, the stories you send, and the ways you find to care for our environment. No matter how many other differences we have, we join together in our desire to green our world for future generations.

This passion and commitment has guided us for the past 50 years and will continue to guide us into the future as the Foundation continues to expand its impact around the world.

As we strive to plant more trees and engage more tree planters, I look forward to more opportunities to connect with members like you in a meaningful way — because you are the driving force behind the important work we do for our planet every day.

Volunteers in Wilmington, North Carolina, hand out trees to their fellow residents.

Regreening Wilmington

Breaking Up Heat Islands Tree planting in public and private spaces helps to lower urban temperatures and reduce the health implications of heat stress.

One North Carolina community’s road to recovery after 3 hurricanes

Lowering Energy Costs By planting trees near houses and office buildings, homeowners and businesses alike can reduce summer and winter energy use.

HURRICANE FLORENCE IN 2018. Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Hurricane Isaias in 2020. Each of these storms made their way through the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina.

And with each passing hurricane came more destruction and tree loss.

Through a partnership with the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Tree Recovery program has provided thousands of trees for local residents hoping to restore Wilmington’s once-lush tree canopy. This work began in the fall of 2019, after Hurricane Florence. And the need for trees has only grown with each natural disaster.

This spring, more tree distribution events were held to help restore more tree-lined streets and shady backyards — while also breathing life back into the city. Connie Parker, president of the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, emphasized the importance of these efforts. “The replenishment of Wilmington’s tree canopy is vital. These trees will aid in providing habitat for birds, shading homes, and allowing for a sense of normalcy to return to a hard-hit area.”

Wilmington resident Ronnie Kirkland received two trees at one of the distribution events held in 2020. “After losing two trees in my backyard, one a 40-year-old oak tree, planting the two trees will provide a sense of comfort that once again, my backyard can renew itself,” he said. “And when I am gone, future generations can enjoy them.”

Trees can be an immeasurable source of hope and healing in the wake of natural disasters. Wilmington is one of the many towns we can support thanks to the generosity of Arbor Day Foundation members and partners.

2 ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

Today, our cities and towns are facing significant issues that affect the everyday lives of residents. Rising temperatures, air pollution, flooding, ground contamination and food deserts are just some of the challenges of urban living. And while each presents a completely different problem for urban dwellers, the solution is the same: trees.

On the cover: Reforestation efforts on Boise National Forest are part of the City of Trees Challenge. Learn more on page 4.

Reducing Particulate Matter Pollution Trees act as natural biological filters, cleaning the air of many different pollutants, including particulate matter.

Preventing Urban Flooding Urban trees intercept rain and reduce the volume of stormwater following a storm, meaning less investment in expensive infrastructure and cleaner water when the runoff reaches rivers and lakes.

Tree City USA Bulletin The March/April 2022 bulletin further explains how trees work to improve everyday life in our communities.

TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE BULLETIN, PLEASE VISIT

arborday.org/bulletins

Cleaning Up Contaminated Soil When treated with endophytes, trees can be planted to clean up contamination in water and soil, a process called phytoremediation.

Providing Relief in Food Deserts Community food forests are designed specifically to use public green space to provide fresh food (including fruits and nuts) for neighborhoods.

Community trees are some of the hardest-working trees out there. When planted in the right place, they can be the remedy to many of the issues facing your city — and those who call it home.

@arborday.org

AS I HAVE MENTIONED BEFORE, I am always touched anytime I have the pleasure of interacting with Arbor Day Foundation members during my travels.

Recently, though, I had an opportunity to spend some dedicated time with a group of members.

FOLLOW US AT

facebook.com/arborday

Understanding the Power of Trees Whether in backyards or tropical rain forests, trees work hard to provide the necessities of life. They clean our air and water, provide habitat for wildlife, connect communities, and support our health and well-being. To gain a better understanding of the importance of trees, head to arborday.org/poweroftrees.

Here you will find more detail on how trees play a role in addressing climate change, work to build stronger communities, and support healthy biodiversity. From there, you can also explore our Tree Facts, which highlight examples of the benefits of trees at work in our world.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

7

A Partnership That Goes Deeper Procter & Gamble engages customers in our tree planting mission plants one tree for every product sold. Traditional methods allow customers to plant a tree by adding a dollar at checkout; this approach ensures the tree is automatically planted with purchase at no additional cost. Through the Foundation’s forestry carbon credits, EC30 also offsets any carbon emissions it can’t reduce.

INSPIRED BY OUR MISSION and long history of strategic tree planting, Procter & Gamble began supporting the Arbor Day Foundation’s reforestation work in 2019. And the partnership has grown from there to have an even greater impact — integrating tree planting on a consumer level.

In partnership with EC30, P&G’s first-ever brand on a journey to carbon-neutral, the Arbor Day Foundation

Partnering with the P&G Good Everyday rewards program is another great example of how people can take small actions to make a positive difference for our planet. When customers sign up for the program and engage through the platform, P&G makes donations to help fund youth environmental education through the Foundation’s Tree Campus® K-12 program. Plus, users can donate their P&G Good Everyday rewards points to plant trees through the Arbor Day Foundation.

These efforts are in addition to the pledge from Charmin and Procter & Gamble to plant 1 million trees in areas devastated by natural disasters between 2020 and 2025 through Charmin’s sustainability pillar of restoring forests.

Leaving a Legacy May Be Easier Than You Think TREES THRIVE FOR GENERATIONS, and so can your support of the Arbor Day Foundation when you establish a charitable gift annuity. As you receive consistent retirement income, you’ll feel good knowing that your gift will leave a legacy for years to come.

To receive additional information and a confidential quote on a charitable gift annuity, please complete and mail the coupon below, or contact Chloé Sweet at 888-448-7337, ext. 9612 or giftplanning@arborday.org.

LEARN MORE. NO OBLIGATION. Please provide me with a confidential quote for an Arbor Day Foundation Charitable Gift Annuity.

Birth Date / / I am considering a gift annuity of $

($10,000 minimum)

Name Address City/State/Zip Telephone (

)

Email Mail to: Arbor Day Foundation 211 N. 12th St. • Lincoln, NE 68508

Best time to call

Charitable gift annuities offer retirement income with a large portion of it tax-free.

For example, Patricia, age 84, made a $75,000 donation to the Arbor Day Foundation for a charitable gift annuity. She receives $5,700 (7.6%) annually, with $4,685 of it tax-free.

Additionally, at tax time, she can take a $40,785 charitable deduction that can be spread over several years, if necessary.

Michael began a $15,000 charitable gift annuity at age 72. He receives a 5.4% return on his gift for the rest of his life. Nearly 75% of the payment is income-tax-free. Additionally, Michael receives a charitable tax deduction of $6,089 for his gift. Also, please remember the Foundation in your will.

To make a bequest, include this sentence: I give __________(specific amount, property, percentage, or residue) to the Arbor Day Foundation, located in Lincoln, NE, a taxexempt organization, for the purpose of supporting its environmental stewardship programs. (Tax ID 23-7169265)

Nebraska City, Nebraska

FOR RESERVATIONS TO STAY AT LIED LODGE: arbordayfarm.org • 800-546-5433

A Wheel-y Good Time Arbor Day Farm welcomes bicyclists from across the country THERE’S A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE at Arbor Day Farm. Wine tasting, apple picking, treetop adventures … and, most recently, bike rides.

The farm will again host the Radler Bike Festival from June 17-19 and serve as the finish line for the Tour des Trees on September 9. The rides are the latest way the property is engaging new visitors with its environmental mission.

“We have the beautiful scenery and the accommodations to make these rides a memorable experience. Our central location in the country has also been a great draw and helped connect us to nearby events,” said Austin Mackrill, vice president of Arbor Day Farm.

2021 was the first year the farm hosted the Radler Bike Festival, and the 2022 event is poised to be even better. The weekend will provide riders with two scenic routes to explore, including a 30-mile paved trail heading west from Nebraska City and a 40-mile crushed limestone trail along the Missouri River.

And that’s just the beginning of the fun. Back at the farm, there will be outdoor games, trivia, yoga, massages, live music, food trucks, and a beer garden.

Bikers can then camp under the stars or sleep in comfort at Lied Lodge.

“I had a great time last year and can’t wait to do it again! It was a perfect opportunity to unwind, make new friends, and spend time outdoors — both on the bike and around the farm,” said Pete Smith, the Arbor Day Foundation’s urban forestry manager and resident cycling enthusiast.

Last year’s Radler Bike Festival drew hundreds of visitors to Arbor Day Farm, where they enjoyed two scenic routes and dozens of fun activities.

Education Endowment (TREE) Fund, which supports tree research and education nationwide.

The ride is in a different location each year. This year, it will take place in Iowa — spanning six days and more than 440 miles. Riders will then cross the Iowa border into Nebraska City on their last day in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. “The opportunity to host these riders, whose mission greatly aligns with our own, is a true honor,” Mackrill said.

A Special Finish

It’s with your generous support that Arbor Day Farm continues to grow and serve new visitors like these.

Tour des Trees is another bike ride that will finish at the farm’s historic barns in 2022. The annual event is the primary fundraiser for the Tree Research &

See clips from the Radler Bike Festival at arborday.org/radler or learn more about the Tour des Trees at treefund.org/tourdestrees.

08715 100

For more information, please mail in the coupon or call Chloè Sweet at 888-448-7337, ext. 9612.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

3

A Partnership That Goes Deeper Procter & Gamble engages customers in our tree planting mission plants one tree for every product sold. Traditional methods allow customers to plant a tree by adding a dollar at checkout; this approach ensures the tree is automatically planted with purchase at no additional cost. Through the Foundation’s forestry carbon credits, EC30 also offsets any carbon emissions it can’t reduce.

INSPIRED BY OUR MISSION and long history of strategic tree planting, Procter & Gamble began supporting the Arbor Day Foundation’s reforestation work in 2019. And the partnership has grown from there to have an even greater impact — integrating tree planting on a consumer level.

In partnership with EC30, P&G’s first-ever brand on a journey to carbon-neutral, the Arbor Day Foundation

Partnering with the P&G Good Everyday rewards program is another great example of how people can take small actions to make a positive difference for our planet. When customers sign up for the program and engage through the platform, P&G makes donations to help fund youth environmental education through the Foundation’s Tree Campus® K-12 program. Plus, users can donate their P&G Good Everyday rewards points to plant trees through the Arbor Day Foundation.

These efforts are in addition to the pledge from Charmin and Procter & Gamble to plant 1 million trees in areas devastated by natural disasters between 2020 and 2025 through Charmin’s sustainability pillar of restoring forests.

Leaving a Legacy May Be Easier Than You Think TREES THRIVE FOR GENERATIONS, and so can your support of the Arbor Day Foundation when you establish a charitable gift annuity. As you receive consistent retirement income, you’ll feel good knowing that your gift will leave a legacy for years to come.

To receive additional information and a confidential quote on a charitable gift annuity, please complete and mail the coupon below, or contact Chloé Sweet at 888-448-7337, ext. 9612 or giftplanning@arborday.org.

LEARN MORE. NO OBLIGATION. Please provide me with a confidential quote for an Arbor Day Foundation Charitable Gift Annuity.

Birth Date / / I am considering a gift annuity of $

($10,000 minimum)

Name Address City/State/Zip Telephone (

)

Email Mail to: Arbor Day Foundation 211 N. 12th St. • Lincoln, NE 68508

Best time to call

Charitable gift annuities offer retirement income with a large portion of it tax-free.

For example, Patricia, age 84, made a $75,000 donation to the Arbor Day Foundation for a charitable gift annuity. She receives $5,700 (7.6%) annually, with $4,685 of it tax-free.

Additionally, at tax time, she can take a $40,785 charitable deduction that can be spread over several years, if necessary.

Michael began a $15,000 charitable gift annuity at age 72. He receives a 5.4% return on his gift for the rest of his life. Nearly 75% of the payment is income-tax-free. Additionally, Michael receives a charitable tax deduction of $6,089 for his gift. Also, please remember the Foundation in your will.

To make a bequest, include this sentence: I give __________(specific amount, property, percentage, or residue) to the Arbor Day Foundation, located in Lincoln, NE, a taxexempt organization, for the purpose of supporting its environmental stewardship programs. (Tax ID 23-7169265)

Nebraska City, Nebraska

FOR RESERVATIONS TO STAY AT LIED LODGE: arbordayfarm.org • 800-546-5433

A Wheel-y Good Time Arbor Day Farm welcomes bicyclists from across the country THERE’S A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE at Arbor Day Farm. Wine tasting, apple picking, treetop adventures … and, most recently, bike rides.

The farm will again host the Radler Bike Festival from June 17-19 and serve as the finish line for the Tour des Trees on September 9. The rides are the latest way the property is engaging new visitors with its environmental mission.

“We have the beautiful scenery and the accommodations to make these rides a memorable experience. Our central location in the country has also been a great draw and helped connect us to nearby events,” said Austin Mackrill, vice president of Arbor Day Farm.

2021 was the first year the farm hosted the Radler Bike Festival, and the 2022 event is poised to be even better. The weekend will provide riders with two scenic routes to explore, including a 30-mile paved trail heading west from Nebraska City and a 40-mile crushed limestone trail along the Missouri River.

And that’s just the beginning of the fun. Back at the farm, there will be outdoor games, trivia, yoga, massages, live music, food trucks, and a beer garden.

Bikers can then camp under the stars or sleep in comfort at Lied Lodge.

“I had a great time last year and can’t wait to do it again! It was a perfect opportunity to unwind, make new friends, and spend time outdoors — both on the bike and around the farm,” said Pete Smith, the Arbor Day Foundation’s urban forestry manager and resident cycling enthusiast.

Last year’s Radler Bike Festival drew hundreds of visitors to Arbor Day Farm, where they enjoyed two scenic routes and dozens of fun activities.

Education Endowment (TREE) Fund, which supports tree research and education nationwide.

The ride is in a different location each year. This year, it will take place in Iowa — spanning six days and more than 440 miles. Riders will then cross the Iowa border into Nebraska City on their last day in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. “The opportunity to host these riders, whose mission greatly aligns with our own, is a true honor,” Mackrill said.

A Special Finish

It’s with your generous support that Arbor Day Farm continues to grow and serve new visitors like these.

Tour des Trees is another bike ride that will finish at the farm’s historic barns in 2022. The annual event is the primary fundraiser for the Tree Research &

See clips from the Radler Bike Festival at arborday.org/radler or learn more about the Tour des Trees at treefund.org/tourdestrees.

08715 100

For more information, please mail in the coupon or call Chloè Sweet at 888-448-7337, ext. 9612.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

3

Photos reveal the widespread damage to Boise National Forest after the 2016 Pioneer Fire.

reforestation program began as a small partnership with the USDA Forest Service in 1990, and today, has planted nearly 150 million trees in forests worldwide.

This work continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. In 2021 alone, 38 million Arbor Day Foundation trees were planted in areas in need. That’s a 141% increase from 2019.

UP FOR THE

The Arbor Day Foundation is helping replant the forest through the ongoing City of Trees Challenge.

Arbor Day Foundation advances Boise’s ambitious tree planting goal

A

sk anyone who lives there — Boise, Idaho, is a one-of-a-kind place.

The city of 235,000 people is an outdoor lover’s dream, with whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and beautiful forests all within a stone’s throw.

“We’re really proud of our city,” said Lance Davisson, who serves as president and director of the area’s Treasure Valley Canopy Network. “We are very intentional about being a strong community, waving at our neighbors. It’s more than just a place to live to us.

It’s a home, and it’s just an awesome place to live.”

Among the things that make Boise special is its longstanding commitment to sustainability. The town’s nickname, “City of Trees,” is emblazoned on its logo.

It has earned Tree City USA® status for 43 years and was recently recognized through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Cities of the World™ program.

So when city council president Elaine Clegg announced a new initiative to take Boise’s tree planting to the next level, we were thrilled — and ready — to help.

Making a Change

Boise residents were excited to plant the free trees they received through the City of Trees Challenge.

4 ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

Our committed member base is the driving force behind these projects. With your support, we’re able to quickly send assistance to forests that have suffered wildfires, storms, disease, or deforestation — and help our incredible partners, like the Treasure Valley Canopy Network, make their vision a reality.

The City of Trees Challenge aims to plant one tree for every Boise household (100,000 urban trees) and one seedling for every Boise resident (235,000 seedlings in Idaho forests) by 2030. It was launched

on Arbor Day 2020 to address climate change on a local level.

“Our goal is to provide every Boise resident with an opportunity to act on climate. Everybody feels like there’s nothing they can do about it. You know, it’s just too daunting. So the simple thing is to plant a tree at your house and sponsor planting a tree out in nature,” said Davisson, whose organization is leading the effort alongside The Nature Conservancy in Idaho.

“By investing in the health of our city and surrounding forests, we’re offering an opportunity for urban and rural Idahoans to come together and build a more resilient future.”

In just two years, the Arbor Day Foundation has contributed 112,000 seedlings to the forest side of the challenge.

Focus on the Future With the forest side of the project already halfway complete, Boise is turning its focus to its 100,000 urban tree goal.

“By investing in the health of our city and surrounding forests, we’re offering an opportunity for urban and rural Idahoans to come

together and build a more resilient future.”

100,000 trees will nearly double the city’s canopy. Volunteers have started handing out trees at the Boise Farmer’s Market, which has proved to be a great success. Organizers are also using heat and canopy mapping technology to identify which neighborhoods need trees the most.

From energy savings to job creation, Davisson is excited about the long-term value this challenge will bring to the residents of Boise.

“We’re not at the top of the national news for how many trees we planted.

But I’m kind of proud of that, because we don’t want to just be the one with the highest number of trees. We’re making sure our trees are actually surviving, thriving, and making a difference,” he said.

Lance Davisson

President and Director, Treasure Valley Canopy Network

The seedlings are being planted on sections of Boise National Forest damaged by the 2016 Pioneer Fire. High-intensity burns left its beautiful hillsides full of dead trees — but today, new sprouts of life are shooting up as far as the eye can see.

A Growing Movement Boise National Forest is one of hundreds of forests the Arbor Day Foundation is helping restore. Our

Ambitious goals like this one are what will make a lasting change for our planet. And we’re proud to support more and more each year, thanks to members like you.

See a complete map of our reforestation projects at arborday.org/reforestation or learn more about the challenge at cityoftreeschallenge.org.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

5

Photos reveal the widespread damage to Boise National Forest after the 2016 Pioneer Fire.

reforestation program began as a small partnership with the USDA Forest Service in 1990, and today, has planted nearly 150 million trees in forests worldwide.

This work continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. In 2021 alone, 38 million Arbor Day Foundation trees were planted in areas in need. That’s a 141% increase from 2019.

UP FOR THE

The Arbor Day Foundation is helping replant the forest through the ongoing City of Trees Challenge.

Arbor Day Foundation advances Boise’s ambitious tree planting goal

A

sk anyone who lives there — Boise, Idaho, is a one-of-a-kind place.

The city of 235,000 people is an outdoor lover’s dream, with whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and beautiful forests all within a stone’s throw.

“We’re really proud of our city,” said Lance Davisson, who serves as president and director of the area’s Treasure Valley Canopy Network. “We are very intentional about being a strong community, waving at our neighbors. It’s more than just a place to live to us.

It’s a home, and it’s just an awesome place to live.”

Among the things that make Boise special is its longstanding commitment to sustainability. The town’s nickname, “City of Trees,” is emblazoned on its logo.

It has earned Tree City USA® status for 43 years and was recently recognized through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Cities of the World™ program.

So when city council president Elaine Clegg announced a new initiative to take Boise’s tree planting to the next level, we were thrilled — and ready — to help.

Making a Change

Boise residents were excited to plant the free trees they received through the City of Trees Challenge.

4 ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

Our committed member base is the driving force behind these projects. With your support, we’re able to quickly send assistance to forests that have suffered wildfires, storms, disease, or deforestation — and help our incredible partners, like the Treasure Valley Canopy Network, make their vision a reality.

The City of Trees Challenge aims to plant one tree for every Boise household (100,000 urban trees) and one seedling for every Boise resident (235,000 seedlings in Idaho forests) by 2030. It was launched

on Arbor Day 2020 to address climate change on a local level.

“Our goal is to provide every Boise resident with an opportunity to act on climate. Everybody feels like there’s nothing they can do about it. You know, it’s just too daunting. So the simple thing is to plant a tree at your house and sponsor planting a tree out in nature,” said Davisson, whose organization is leading the effort alongside The Nature Conservancy in Idaho.

“By investing in the health of our city and surrounding forests, we’re offering an opportunity for urban and rural Idahoans to come together and build a more resilient future.”

In just two years, the Arbor Day Foundation has contributed 112,000 seedlings to the forest side of the challenge.

Focus on the Future With the forest side of the project already halfway complete, Boise is turning its focus to its 100,000 urban tree goal.

“By investing in the health of our city and surrounding forests, we’re offering an opportunity for urban and rural Idahoans to come

together and build a more resilient future.”

100,000 trees will nearly double the city’s canopy. Volunteers have started handing out trees at the Boise Farmer’s Market, which has proved to be a great success. Organizers are also using heat and canopy mapping technology to identify which neighborhoods need trees the most.

From energy savings to job creation, Davisson is excited about the long-term value this challenge will bring to the residents of Boise.

“We’re not at the top of the national news for how many trees we planted.

But I’m kind of proud of that, because we don’t want to just be the one with the highest number of trees. We’re making sure our trees are actually surviving, thriving, and making a difference,” he said.

Lance Davisson

President and Director, Treasure Valley Canopy Network

The seedlings are being planted on sections of Boise National Forest damaged by the 2016 Pioneer Fire. High-intensity burns left its beautiful hillsides full of dead trees — but today, new sprouts of life are shooting up as far as the eye can see.

A Growing Movement Boise National Forest is one of hundreds of forests the Arbor Day Foundation is helping restore. Our

Ambitious goals like this one are what will make a lasting change for our planet. And we’re proud to support more and more each year, thanks to members like you.

See a complete map of our reforestation projects at arborday.org/reforestation or learn more about the challenge at cityoftreeschallenge.org.

ARBOR DAY • May/June 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

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M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 2 • A R B O R D AY. O R G

Northern Catalpa Catalpa speciosa Part of the northern catalpa’s scientific name, speciosa, is Latin for “showy.” And at first glance, it’s clear to see why.

Everything about this tree is visually interesting — from its large, heartshaped leaves to its white, trumpetshaped flowers. It’s also hardy and grows quickly. Those winning qualities have led it to become one of the most popular shade trees in the United States.

FLOWERS: Large, white, trumpetshaped, and mildly fragrant. Its petals feature yellow and purple lines and spots.

FRUIT: Bean-like pods, 8–20 inches long and ¼–½ inch wide. The pods start off green and turn brown when ripe.

FORM: Oval-shaped and large, reaching 60 feet tall at maturity.

Can develop a unique twisting trunk and branches.

Karina Helm

LEAVES: Heart-shaped and distinctively large, reaching up to 12 inches in length and 8 inches in width. Fall foliage is yellow or brown.

BARK: Grayish-brown, breaking into large, scaly plates or ridges with age.

WILDLIFE VALUE: The northern catalpa is the sole host of the catalpa sphinx moth. It is also popular with honeybees and hummingbirds.

To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/catalpa or scan this QR code.

Up for the Challenge: Tackling Climate Change in Boise, Idaho

PLANTING: Prefers full sun or

partial shade. It grows best in deep, moist loam soil but will tolerate a wide range of other conditions, including hot and dry weather. Soil pH of 6.1 (slightly acidic) to 8.0 (alkaline) provides for best growth.

Suitable for hardiness zones 4–8.

An official publication of

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We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!

© 2022 Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation sometimes exchanges mailing lists with selected organizations with offers of interest to our members. If you do not want your name included, just write, email, or call Member Services and tell us not to exchange your name.

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