Since 2010, Neighborhood Forest has given 310,000 children a tree to plant on Earth Day
When Makai was a little boy, he planted a river birch tree in his Minneapolis backyard. Ten years on, he remembers the day he brought the sapling home and set it in the earth with his own two hands.
The tree was a gift from Neighborhood Forest, an organization that distributes free trees to kids every Earth Day, April 22.
Now a teenager, the youth marvels at how big and healthy his tree has grown. He’s still attached to it, having nurtured the tree all these years. It’s been part of his life nearly as long as he can remember.
Makai’s bond with his birch tree is the reason Neighborhood Forest exists. By giving kids a free tree, the organization seeks to spark a connection to the natural world. In the process, they “beautify neighborhoods, reduce our carbon footprint, and get kids excited about nature and getting their hands dirty,” explains Clara Radloff, head of community engagement at the Minneapolis-based not-for-profit.
Since its founding in 2010, Neighborhood Forest has planted more than 310,000 trees through the hands of children and parents across North America. The organization has experienced rapid growth in recent years, expanding from its roots in Minnesota to communities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This Earth Day alone, Neighborhood Forest will distribute more than 112,000 saplings.
Parents or guardians can sign their child up to receive a tree through a partner organization, such as a school, library or youth group, that has registered with Neighborhood Forest. They are encouraged to plant the tree on their private property, be it in rural or urban areas.
Neighborhood Forest is funded by donations from individuals and families, and grants from companies. Receiving a tree is completely free for the child, but parents are given the option to contribute $5. A partnership with UPS ensures delivery from nine nurseries in the U.S. and Canada in time for Earth Day.
Corporate partners contribute the bulk of funds for the trees. This year, Neighborhood Forest provided 3,385 trees to kids in Saskatchewan, and Enbridge funded 500 of those trees through a $2,500 Enbridge Fueling Futures grant.
We are proud to spread the joy of tree planting to kids across the province. The simple yet powerful work of Neighborhood Forests provides a tangible, memorable experience for children and their families. By planting a tree and nurturing it to maturity, kids play an active role in improving the environment and contributing to a sustainable future.
The environmental impacts of planting trees are numerous.
“When these trees grow up, they’re capturing carbon; they’re shading and cooling homes. They’re purifying our water and helping with soil erosion,” explains Radloff.
As they watch their tree grow, kids learn to value nature, as well as build empathy for others.
Adds Radloff: “We hope planting a tree instills a sense of magic, wonder and love for the planet in the hearts of little ones.”
