HEALTHY MANGROVES, THRIVING PEOPLE
These forests are sustaining coastal communities through fishing
The extraordinary and unusual-looking coastal forests known as mangroves are widely known for their rich biodiversity, ability to store carbon, and coastline protection during storm surges. But these mangrove forests have a lesser-known trait that is just as important as the benefits people oftentimes associate with these coastal forests: livelihood. These unique forests support people by providing a rich habitat for fish and other aquatic life — essential for both income and food security.
In many coastal regions, fishing is a primary source of income. Because mangroves serve as nurseries for a variety of fish species, they are a critical component of the fishing industry in nearby communities. A recent study confirmed the extent of this connection, estimating that 4.1 million small-scale fishers rely on mangrove habitat.
“Mangroves are crucial for fish breeding. They provide shelter and food for young fish, which eventually supports
the entire fishing industry,” said Gregory Hahn, founder of Restoration Era, an on-the-ground partner working with local communities on mangrove restoration.
Fishermen rely on the rich biodiversity of mangroves, catching fish and other seafood integral to their diets and local markets.
The degradation of mangrove forests — primarily due to logging and shrimp farming — poses a significant threat to both the fishing industry and area communities.
“When mangroves are cut down, the fish habitats are destroyed, leading to a decline in fish populations. This affects the entire community that depends on fishing,” Hahn said.
Restoration efforts are essential to reverse this trend and support the economic sustainability of coastal communities. By working with partners to replant mangroves and protect existing forests, the Arbor Day Foundation and dedicated members and supporters can help ensure these vital ecosystems continue to provide for the people who depend on them.
Thank you for believing in the importance of this work and supporting the Foundation’s commitment to mangroves.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES, FOSTERING URBAN FORESTS
The Foundation’s Community Roots Program is helping local organizations lead the way in tree planting and care
Trees are a critical component of resilient communities, but many cities and towns don’t have the trees they need to thrive. That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation created the Community Roots Program, a grant opportunity established with funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. Often referred to as the IRA, this climate legislation included $1.5 billion to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces in underserved communities.
The first phase of this program included awarding funding for projects spearheaded by community-based organizations. A total of 18 awardees were selected from more than 230 applicants nationwide — a clear sign that there is a growing desire to improve communities through trees. Projects range in focus from addressing the urban heat island effect to natural disaster recovery to establishing food forests.
While all of the projects are helping to build healthy community tree canopy, each offers a glimpse into just how unique community tree projects can be from place to place. Here is a sample of a few projects that will be funded through the Community Roots Program:
FOOD FORESTS
Denver Urban Gardens | Denver, Colorado
Some neighborhoods throughout the Denver metropolitan area are facing outsized rates of food insecurity, poor physical and mental health among residents, lack of tree canopy, poor air quality, and vulnerability to extreme heat. With this Community Roots funding, Denver Urban Gardens will be working with residents to plant nine new food forests in urban communal gardens over the next three years — adding a source of fresh fruit, an important layer of biodiversity, much-needed shade, and a place for people to connect with nature.
ADOPT-A-YARD-TREE PROGRAM EXPANSION
Friends of the Urban Forest | San Francisco, California
Residents in low-income, low-canopy areas of San Francisco will now have more opportunities to pick up a free tree, a bucket of mulch, and plenty of planting support. Friends of the Urban Forest plans to leverage this funding to grow its new Adopt-A-Yard-Tree program, targeting four neighborhoods where trees can do the most good. A total of 3,000 fruit trees and native trees will be distributed over three years to improve tree canopy, break up heat islands, and provide a source of fresh produce.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD TREE PLANTINGS
Speak for the Trees | Boston, Massachusetts
Many neighborhoods throughout Boston are facing a historic lack of investment and a lack of tree canopy. Speak for the Trees is already working to plant trees in public spaces and private properties in areas with the greatest need for trees, and this funding will allow them to boost their efforts. Over three years, they will establish a Tree Captains program that actively engages residents in the work while also planting an additional 175 trees in people’s yards — an important step in increasing overall canopy in these neighborhoods.
CEMETERY AND ARBORETUM RESTORATION
Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery | St. Louis, Missouri
Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum is an essential public green space located in the heart of the disadvantaged community of North St. Louis. While a nationally recognized arboretum, the tree canopy is in great need of largescale care. Community Roots funding will help the organization remove dead and hazardous trees and plant more trees in their place. This work will improve the ecological health of the arboretum and restore a lush urban forest canopy that is accessible to people in the surrounding neighborhoods and beyond.
COMMUNITY ROOTS PROGRAM AWARDEES:
Alief Super Neighborhood Council Alief, TX
Alliance for Cape Fear Trees Wilmington, NC
Beyond Housing
St. Louis, MO
Denver Urban Gardens Denver, CO
Forest ReLeaf of Missouri
Kansas City, St. Louis, and other communities in MO
Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery St. Louis, MO
Friends of the Rappahannock Various communities in VA
Friends of the Urban Forest San Francisco, CA
Mississippi Children’s Museum–Meridian Meridian, MS
Newport Tree Conservancy Newport, RI
OUR Community Forest Jackson County, OR
Roytens Enrichment Academy Community Hope California City, CA
Sacramento Tree Foundation Sacramento, CA
Serve Ethiopians Washington Seattle, WA
Speak for the Trees Boston, MA
Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL)
New Orleans, LA
Tree Trust Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN
ReTreeUS
Maine and New Hampshire
PLANTING HOPE IN THE WAKE OF HELENE AND MILTON
The Arbor Day Foundation pledges 10 million trees to help restore the region
Last fall, the southeast corner of the U.S. was battered by two major storms in a span of two weeks. Hurricanes Helene and Milton created a one-two punch across six states, and those affected are still reeling from the experience.
Just like homes and other buildings, the landscape wasn’t spared. In Georgia alone, nearly 9 million acres of forestland and millions of trees were impacted, making this the largest natural disaster on record for the state’s forestry industry on record.
But now is the time for action.
Because so many forest and community trees were either snapped in the unrelenting winds or drowned in flood waters, the Arbor Day Foundation has committed to planting 10 million trees across Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
The long season of recovery has only just begun for these states and can take years to complete after a natural disaster. The Foundation’s efforts to restore the tree canopy in communities and forestlands will continue for at least the next four years because of its pledge. With the help of on-the-ground planting partners, projects are being planned based on when each forest or community is ready to replant.
The uplifting feeling this work can create is powerful. Each tree is shaping a greener tomorrow — a promise of better days ahead.
Every gift plants hope for communities affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Whether you can help plant one tree or a thousand, you’re part of this vital recovery effort. Make an immediate impact by visiting arborday.org/pledge to plant trees today.
For those interested in exploring strategic giving opportunities or creating a larger-scale legacy through this recovery effort, our development team’s philanthropic advisors are ready to help at development@arborday.org or 888-448-7337.
