Our Pledge to Better Days Ahead Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Within the span of two weeks, Hurricanes Helene and Milton ripped through cities, towns, homes, and lives. The back-to-back blows allowed little opportunity for recovery as once-hit communities were knocked down for a second time.  

Still the people hit hardest by these disasters refuse to give in to despair, even as their hearts ache with sorrow. Countless stories of hope, kindness, unity, and compassion have emerged following the storms, showcasing the incredible resiliency of humanity. Neighbors and strangers together, all lending a hand to dig out of the destruction and chart a new path forward.  

It’s a reminder that even on our darkest days, we can be bold enough to believe in better days ahead.  

That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation is pledging 10 million trees to help communities and forestlands across the six states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  

For nearly 20 years, the Arbor Day Foundation has planted and distributed millions of trees in disaster-affected communities. Our network of local planting partners has given us unmatched access to replant trees all over the U.S. following hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and floods. Our unique position is part of what pulls us to this work. Not only can we activate our resources anywhere in the country, but we can also stick around, bringing tree recovery to communities for years after the storm has passed.  

Trees are, understandably, not the first concern in the wake of natural disasters. Recovery moves at different speeds depending on the needs of different communities. We don’t rush to replant until our local partners acknowledge the time is right. Sometimes they’re ready during the next planting season. Sometimes it’s a few years later. We know the Helene and Milton affected communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia might not be ready to plant right away. So, the Arbor Day Foundation will be working over the next four years to make sure these 10 million trees find their way into front yards, back yards, city streets, and forestlands.  

It's a bold task, but we embrace the challenge because the need is immense. The eastern and southeastern coasts have already been victim to a steady drumbeat of disaster in recent years, with five of the nation’s costliest hurricanes occurring within the past 7 years. Some experts believe these latest storms will join their ranks, already predicting more than $50 billion in damage in both Helene and Milton. The effects of a changing climate are becoming increasingly destructive and science shows trees can help. By pulling carbon out of the air, trees help slow climate change. They can also protect communities by mitigating flooding, preventing land erosion, and slowing strong winds.   

We can meet this moment with trees and action. And we’re calling on our corporate partners, members, and supporters to help.  

By standing with the Arbor Day Foundation, you can help give hope to these communities. You can help root them in strength as they embark on a journey of regrowth. We believe in better days ahead because we’re willing to do what it takes to make them happen. We hope you will too.  

Visit arborday.org to donate to the effort to replant hope after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.