Arbor Day Foundation

Over time, storms, aging trees, and disinvestment have erased nearly 90% of the canopy that once lined the streets of this neighborhood in Richmond, VA. Today, 40 new trees now stand along these blocks. For residents, the change will be felt in everyday moments. And for many who remember what this neighborhood once looked like, the return of trees is bringing back a sense of place that’s been missing for far too long.

Our next Unearthing Optimism guest knows a thing or two about bow ties, big ideas... and the joy of science. Bill Nye joins us Monday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

Think you know who it is? You probably first met him on a classroom TV cart. He made science feel like the coolest part of your day. He had you confidently saying, “Science rules!” And somehow… you still remember the theme song. New Unearthing Optimism episode drops April 20 🎧

Did you know weather-related events contribute to the loss of 36 million trees a year? To help address this problem @subaru_usa is continuing their partnership with @arborday to plant and distribute 165,000 trees since 2025. Learn more on how to help at Subaru.com/earth.

Studies using EEG and brain imaging have found that spending time in natural settings is linked to improved attention, stronger brain connectivity, and greater cognitive flexibility. Other research has shown that even a short walk in nature can quiet parts of the brain associated with fear, stress, and repetitive negative thinking. Learn more here: unr.edu/nevada-today/n…

Here’s a common tree-planting myth: It’s easier to plant a larger tree than a young sapling. Younger trees in small pots are much easier to handle, less expensive, and tend to establish more quickly in their new home. With some watering and a little protection from curious critters, they often catch up to – and sometimes outgrow – larger trees over time.

Making the world a better place is on all of us. On Unearthing Optimism, Rainn Wilson shares why hope is a responsibility, and how small acts in our families, neighborhoods, and communities can ripple into real change. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Most call this tree General Sherman. We call it awe, in living form.

For more than 30 years, this magnolia has been a reminder to June's family that some of the most beautiful moments in life don’t last long — and that’s exactly what makes them so special. Have a tree story of your own? We'd love to hear it. Share yours at the Million Trees Project: bit.ly/47NA3MQ

In New Orleans’ St. Anthony neighborhood, the effects of Hurricane Katrina were still visible nearly 20 years later. Thousands of trees were lost, leaving streets with little shade and neighborhoods more vulnerable to flooding when heavy rains come.​ But together with the community, new trees are taking root, helping restore shade, manage stormwater, and bring life back to a neighborhood that has too often felt overlooked.

This #JaneGoodallDay, we’re honoring Jane Goodall and the belief that change happens when we act together. At the Arbor Day Foundation, that spirit comes to life through trees — planted in neighborhoods, cities, and forests around the world to restore ecosystems, support biodiversity, and strengthen communities. We’re proud to call the @janegoodallinst a true friend in this shared mission, growing a healthier, more hopeful future through collective action.

Remember Recyclops from @theofficetv? Rainn Wilson is bringing him back, but this time, with a new purpose. On Unearthing Optimism, he talks about using humor, heart, and a little chaos to shine a light on what really works in recycling. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Each year, salmon return to Issaquah Creek in Washington to spawn in their natal stream. But recent forest loss has warmed the creek and strained its ecosystem. To change that, native species have been planted to rebuild the riparian forest that salmon depend upon. Together, these efforts are strengthening the health of Issaquah Creek, supporting the salmon, and protecting the overall health and integrity of the ecosystem.

To celebrate the planet and a shared vision of a greener world, @subaru_usa and nearly 600 of its retailers are once again partnering with us for the Subaru Loves the Earth® initiative. It marks the second year of the largest corporate community tree distribution in our history. Since 2025, our partnership has provided and distributed 165,000 trees. We're honored to help Subaru put down roots for change. To reserve your tree, visit arborday.org/subaru-directo…

In Indianapolis’s Near Southside, just 14% tree canopy means hotter streets and more stormwater runoff. So neighbors, volunteers, and partners planted native trees along residential streets to add shade, absorb water, and cool the community — investing in a healthier, more resilient future. Sometimes impact starts simple: plant where the need is greatest, and keep showing up.

Have you told us about a tree you love? Join the Million Trees Project, and help us assemble the world’s largest collection of personal tree stories: bit.ly/4uOm9nq Share your story today and help inspire the next generation of tree planters.

In just five years, Rainn Wilson had to evacuate his home four times because of wildfires. On our new episode of Unearthing Optimism, Rainn shares how witnessing climate change up close made his advocacy deeply personal, and why hope and action matter now more than ever. You don’t want to miss this one. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

In Boulder, rising heat and food insecurity are everyday realities for many families. That’s why we planted a food forest at an affordable housing community.​ This project is proving that trees planted with purpose do more than grow food. The resilience of these trees and the land we’re restoring is an investment that directly impacts the well-being of the people who call it home.

It’s the biggest tree in the world. Or at least, it feels that way for Brianne. “This cottonwood has stood on our family farm for more than 150 years, its trunk stretching over 30 feet in circumference and its roots holding generations of memories.” See more real stories like this, and add your own, at the Million Trees Project: bit.ly/4cQlTOm

Calling all Peanuts® lovers and tree enthusiasts. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the classic Peanuts® special, It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown, we’ve partnered with Lee Mendelson Film Productions to grow impact in forests of need. For every copy of the premiere release of the original soundtrack sold, one dollar will go toward planting a tree in a forest of need with a minimum donation of $12,000. 🎥 Video courtesy of Mendelson/Melendez Productions (c) Peanuts Worldwide available on Apple TV.