Congratulations to Indiana for Planting One Million Trees

CONGRATULATIONS TO INDIANA FOR PLANTING ONE MILLION TREES
GSGP joins Governor Holcomb to plant the millionth tree on Arbor Day

Indianapolis, IN – Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the state of Indiana achieved the remarkable milestone of planting one million trees. Staff of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP) were honored to join in the celebration at the Indiana Statehouse to help plant the ceremonial millionth tree, a cucumber magnolia.

In 2020, Governor Holcomb tasked the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to plant one million trees by 2025. The Governor’s Million Tree Initiative focused on promoting healthy forests and supporting wildlife across the state. As a result of these efforts, tree canopy across Indiana was expanded and Indiana’s forestland was restored through the planting of native black walnut and various oak trees in state parks and forests, fish and wildlife areas, and nature preserves.

“With one million more trees now dotting Indiana’s landscape, we can preserve this love for our great outdoors for future generations of Hoosiers and continue Indiana’s important legacy of conservation,” Governor Holcomb said.

As a longtime supporter of trees, Governor Holcomb was instrumental in the launching of GSGP’s Great Lakes St. Lawrence Trees Initiative. GSGP is working with the region’s eight US States and two Canadian Provinces, federal governments, corporations, cities and other institutions to plant 250 million trees in the region by 2033.

Trees offer countless benefits to neighborhoods and communities, including improving public health, storing carbon, protecting water quality, and offering more habitat for wildlife. Research also suggests that in urban areas, more trees can strengthen immune systems, improve mental health, and reduce stress.

“GSGP congratulates Governor Holcomb on creating this positive legacy in Indiana, and thanks him for motivating the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region to set an ambitious tree planting goal,” David Naftzger, GSGP’s Executive Director said.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the regional tree planting effort can learn more at the Trees Initiative website. Government, corporations, nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, school groups, and individuals can all make a lasting impact through their efforts.