The world is changing fast. The good news is that planting trees in forests can be part of the solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our planet — but only if they’re planted today.
It’s why we plant at the speed of a changing world, with a dedicated focus on key priority regions where reforestation can make the biggest difference. With the local knowledge of our reforestation partners, we plant the right trees wherever there is a need.
Growing layers of good
To plant trees at the speed we need to grow a better future, we have a lot of work to do. Thankfully, no matter the reason you plant a tree, it gives back even more. A single tree absorbs a ton of carbon in its first 40 years and intercepts 1,000 gallons of rainwater annually. And when you multiply that by entire forests, that’s a colossal amount of good trees can do — especially for the 80% of the world’s land-based species who call forests home. But to grow those benefits, trees must be planted now.
Planting a more hopeful future, tree by tree
When we all do our part to plant in forests, we are bold enough to believe in better days ahead.
235M+
Trees planted in forests
47
Countries
90+
Projects funded in 2023
Sharpening our focus
We plant trees in forests all over the world. While every planting project is meaningful, we’ve identified five key priority regions to guide our focus to where they can do the most good.
The Forest Priority Index
To identify these regions, we turn to science. Our forest priority index is a formula that takes into account factors like how reforestation in a particular region will impact climate change, ecosystems and wildlife, and surrounding Indigenous and community lands. The regions where trees have the greatest opportunity to improve these factors are the regions we prioritize. While not all our reforestation work happens in places identified by the index, it helps us be as intentional as possible in planting the right trees in the right places.
Key priority regions
American Pacific West
Extreme droughts have sparked unprecedented mega-fires up and down the west coast. Planting projects here combat major issues like water scarcity and climate change, while helping forests heal from fires in cases where trees wouldn’t naturally regenerate.
American Southeast
Once covered by dense forests, just a fraction of the native longleaf pine and bottomland hardwoods ecosystems remain in this region. With 85% of southern forests on private lands, the scope of our network here allows us to work effectively with landowners and public entities alike to restore this watershed and biodiversity hotspot.
Atlantic Rainforest
The Atlantic Rainforest covers a rich and incredibly diverse ecosystem spanning the eastern coast of Brazil. Deforestation has taken a toll in this region, with planting efforts underway to support endangered wildlife, slow climate change, restore Indigenous lands, and safeguard the drinking water supply for 70% of Brazil’s population.
Amazon River Basin
Sometimes called the “lungs of the Earth,” the Amazon River Basin has a profound impact on the world’s climate. One of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, planting here supports delicate ecosystems and the people who live within and among them.
Central America and the Caribbean
In the face of increasingly severe natural disasters, reforesting the “dry corridor” from Mexico to Panama is working to restore farmers’ livelihoods and make the region more climate-resilient in the decades to come.
Planting for a healthier world
We plant around the world with a special focus on forests that need trees most.
Planting partners
Are you a planting organization working to make your corner of the world better? Stay in-the-know about our work and how to get involved.
Meet this moment with trees and action
Eighty-eight percent of Americans know trees play a role in slowing climate change. But that can only happen if they’re planted now and at a major scale. That’s why we need everyone who can see a better future, to plant it.
