Hand Planting Tree

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Plant a Billion Trees Campaign?

The Plant a Billion Trees campaign is an unprecedented restoration initiative launched by The Nature Conservancy in 2008. Our first project was to restore Brazil's Atlantic Forest, and now we have expanded to include forest projects in the United States and China. By planting trees and helping forests regrow where they have been severely degraded, we're helping to ensure clean water, air, diverse species and full, healthy forests for future generations.

One billion trees is a pretty big goal - how is the Nature Conservancy going to accomplish this?

It is ambitious, but forests around the world are worth the effort. They are essential to healthy lives and a healthy planet. Our approach takes advantage of the best available science to ensure that the forests we restore and establish are viable ecosystems that provide multiple benefits and high quality habitat. Here are some of the strategies we employ:

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has the means, experience and track record to work closely with partner organizations to meet this important goal.

How does restoring and protecting these forests around the world impact people, including me?

Forests help sustain all life on Earth. They clean our water. Cleanse our air. Cool our planet. Trees give us refuge and refreshment, shade and shelter.

The Plant a Billion Trees campaign will help improve important watersheds that provide clean drinking water and hydroelectricity to millions of people, as well as protection for thousands of species of native plants and animals. People will also benefit on a global scale - the trees planted by the campaign will capture atmospheric carbon equivalent to the emissions of one million cars every year.

Does one dollar plant one tree?

One dollar is an average cost for a tree; actual cost depends on the location of the project and what kind of tree being planted. Donations also help pay for the reforestation efforts in Plant a Billion projects, such as the removal of invasive species, protecting areas where tree saplings are growing, encouraging species to return to degraded areas, and removing any barriers that might prevent a forest from regrowth.

Are there Nature Conservancy staff actually working at these project locations in Brazil, China and the U.S.?

Yes! The Conservancy has staff and scientists based in all three countries who work with a network of in-country parter - including governments, forestry companies, local cooperatives, non-governmental organizations and local communities. We offer assistance and technical guidance using established Conservancy projects as a model to accelerate results and minimize costs.

I want to help! How can I get involved?

Thank you for caring about the world's forests! To help us reach our goal of planting and protecting 1 Billion Trees go to Plantabillion.org. Your support will help us plant trees and protect and restore forests in a location of your choosing, or you can choose to let us decide where the funds are most needed. You can also follow The Nature Conservancy's work in Brazil on Twitter and Facebook and encourage your friends and followers to get involved with e-cards. Look for for Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities actions in a city near you.