WASHINGTON, D.C.—The work we do in the USDA Forest Service is uniquely tied to Arbor Day, a day intended to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. In our agency, we can “see the forest for the trees,” and our work in conservation, restoration and research helps maintain the health of forests worldwide.

Arbor Day is a good day to “tell our story” and explain the human and natural benefits of trees and invite others to join in those efforts. On April 26 (Arbor Day 2024) and every day, look at some of the current work we’re doing in support of trees and extending their benefits to all people, think about how it applies to your work, and help spread the message.

BENEFITS FOR ALL

Trees make a difference. Communities with access to trees and green spaces have improved health outcomes, reduced crime, lower average temperatures and an influx of other kinds of investments and new economic opportunities. That’s why we are boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide. 

Watch the video below to see how Forest Service employees are bringing nature-based solutions to combat extreme heat and climate change in cities, towns and suburbs where more than 84% of Americans live, work and play.

REFORESTATION

The ability of forests to provide clean water and air, products that benefit people and outdoor places of recreation, is increasingly compromised by the effects of a warming climate. Forests are tested by the threats and strain of ever-increasing disturbances, such as wildfires and the smoke they create, extreme weather patterns, and insect and pest outbreaks.

We are working in response to these threats to ensure healthy and resilient forests and help address the wildfire crisis, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Learn more and dive into “Growing and Nurturing Resilient Forests: A Reforestation Strategy for the National Forest System,” a focused effort to address current and future forest needs on our national forests. Reforesting in the right place, at the right time, with the right species and at appropriate scales can change the current trajectory. 

Watch this video to see some of our latest reforestation efforts and how they contribute to the Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

PARTNERS

The above examples are just a snapshot of the work Forest Service employees engage in to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands. But what about our partners? They are also committed to the value of trees and extending their benefits to all people.

The National Forest Foundation is on track to plant 50 million trees on national forests across the United States by 2025. Watch the video below to learn more.  

SPREAD THE WORD

Forest Service employees are fortunate to be able to contribute to Arbor Day and so many more conservation efforts, and luckily, so can everyone else. People can get involved in their local communities, or they can participate in the Forest Service Plant-A-Tree program.

If you know someone interested in participating in the Forest Service’s reforestation efforts, send them the link and let them know they can be a part of our mission.