Dollar General : and Arbor Day Foundation Partner to Host Community Tree Planting Days

Events Reflect Major Retailer's Commitment to Extend Community and Environmental Stewardship Efforts
Dollar General and Arbor Day Foundation partnered to plant more than 100 large trees in three cities in October. The tree planting events were part of Dollar General's recently-announced $100,000 donation partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation that aims to support the planting of more than 20,000 trees through reforestation and community tree plantings.

"We are proud to partner with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees in communities we call home that will create thriving green spaces for generations to come" shared Denine Torr, Dollar General's vice president of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. "At Dollar General, we are proud to be good community partners and support positive changes in the communities where we serve, work and live."

The three events held in October were part of Arbor Day Foundation's Community Tree Recovery, a national program financially supported by Dollar General that aims to replace trees in communities affected by natural disasters throughout the United States. A fourth event in Albuquerque is currently planned for spring 2022.

"In some of our communities, our neighbors have suffered great personal and physical loss," said Dan Lambe, Arbor Day Foundation president. "By planting, we strive to bring healing and hope to the people and their communities in which they live, as well as help return the beauty and the value trees bring back to their properties."

The Community Tree Recovery program has held more than 950 events, distributing more than 5 million trees since its inception in 2012.

Nashville, Tennessee | Friday, October 1
North Nashville took a direct hit by the March 2020 tornado, and many trees were lost or damaged. Nashville Tree Foundation is committed to continuing its work in the area following a three-pillar approach that includes increasing the canopy cover by planting trees on public lands; increasing awareness about benefits trees provide; and promoting environmental stewardship by providing educational programs at North Nashville schools including a newly developed educational program for grades K-12 at Robert Churchwell Elementary School slated to pilot this fall. The efforts are part of a 'Restoring Hope and Trees to Music City' campaign.

Minneapolis, Minnesota | Wednesday, October 6
Minneapolis is working to rebuild their tree canopy following the loss of tens of thousands of mature ash trees on public property due to emerald ash borer over the past ten years, which left a lasting effect across the city including a significant impact on water and air quality. Public areas and parks are now devoid of trees and in need of substantial efforts to combat the effects of climate change to help ensure a green future. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's Forestry Department worked with tree planting day organizers to identify a park space in need, helping to rebuild a more resilient city for the future.

Durham, North Carolina's Horton Woods Neighborhood | Friday, October 8
Durham's Horton Woods neighborhood was chosen for tree planting since they face hotter summer temperatures than other Durham neighborhoods that have considerably greater tree cover. The lack of tree cover currently places residents at a greater risk of heat-related illness with fewer safe options for outdoor activities. Additionally, the area does not reap the benefits of those with greater tree cover, including cleaner air, reduced flooding, less stress, improved mental health and opportunities for social connection.

Albuquerque, New Mexico | Spring 2022
Albuquerque sits in a high grassland water basin on the Rio Grande River with an average rainfall of 8-10 inches. The city has a history of periodic drought, high urban heat index and low tree canopy. Trees planted in partnership with Tree New Mexico will make a significant human and environmental impact by adding shade, fresh air, and beauty to Albuquerque's neighborhoods.