Plant a Billion Trees

FAQs

FAQ

• One billion trees is a pretty big goal—how is TNC going to accomplish this?

  TNC brings decades of experience, scientific expertise, and global reach to our reforestation work. With hundreds of successful projects in our portfolio, we leverage cutting-edge research and tested best management practices to ensure reforestation is effective and sustainable. Using rigorous science, we have developed global maps to estimate the potential of reforestation and show where trees could be restored to the landscape. In our Plant a Billion Trees project areas, we work with partners, local communities, governments and other rightsholders to create tailored solutions that benefit people and nature. With your support, we are confident we can reach this ambitious and important goal.

• How much does it cost to plant a tree?

  The cost to plant a tree varies depending on the location of the project and the type of tree being planted, and ranges between approximately $1.50-$3 USD per tree. Beyond covering costs to simply plant seedlings in the ground, donations support ongoing maintenance, research, and stewardship at Plant a Billion sites to ensure the seedlings grow to be mature, healthy trees.

  Donations also help pay for the reforestation efforts at PBT 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. Up to 20% of the cost is used to help administer the program.

• How are trees being cared for after they are planted?

  Monitoring procedures vary from site to site, but generally, TNC staff conduct regular site visits to oversee qualitative and quantitative surveys. We gauge measures such as seedling survival rates and tree sizes, as well as assessing ecosystem conditions for invasive/competing species to ensure we are making the appropriate adjustments to best care for our trees over time.

• How is TNC staff involved at these projects?

  TNC staff and scientists, based in-country, manage each of our planting projects. To help accomplish this work, we collaborate with a network of in-country partners—including governments, forestry companies, local cooperatives, non-governmental organizations and local communities. Additionally, we offer assistance and technical guidance to others, using established TNC projects as a model to accelerate results and efficiencies.

• Does TNC work with Indigenous Peoples and other local communities in the planting process?

  Partnering with Indigenous Peoples and local communities has been an important part of TNC’s approach for many years. Our partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and local communities are opportunities for mutual learning, sharing and benefit between the communities and TNC. We strive for transformational—not transactional—partnerships in the spirit of reciprocity. We learn from and support their leadership in stewarding their lands and shaping their future.

  Plant a Billion Trees, in particular, works very closely with Indigenous communities at our planting sites in Mexico and Brazil, which are homes to, respectively, the Mayan Forest and the Amazon. Through continued and expanded partnerships, TNC envisions strong indigenous organizations and peoples sustainably managing their lands, while collaborating with governments and other organizations to guarantee the integrity of those areas for future generations.

• Does The Nature Conservancy provide carbon credits?

  Our Plant a Billion Trees reforestation projects yield important carbon benefits by capturing and storing carbon, helping to stabilize our climate. However, these projects do not offer certified carbon credits or offsets. TNC does offer a Carbon Calculator to estimate your carbon footprint. You can read more about carbon markets and their effects on climate change here.

Support

• 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 one billion trees, get started with your tree donation. 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.

  There are other ways to get involved, too:

  • You can check out volunteer opportunities with The Nature Conservancy.
  • Sign up for your local TNC monthly e-newsletter, Nature News.
  • You or your organization can partner with TNC.
• What is Gift a Tree and how does it work?

  If you know someone who loves nature and conservation, Gift a Tree is the perfect option to send them a token of appreciation, celebrate a holiday, or honor a loved one. Write a heartfelt message in the form, pick a date, and we will send an e-card letting the recipient know they were gifted trees.

  For each $10 donation received as part of our Gift a Tree option, TNC will plant five trees in our critical forests around the globe. The more you gift, the more trees will be planted in celebration.

  Share the ability to gift a tree with friends and family by using plantabillion.org/giftatree.

• Is my donation tax deductible?

  The Nature Conservancy is a 501(c)3 organization, and donations are tax-deductible. For Plant a Billion Trees donations, you can claim the entire amount of your cash gift as a charitable income tax deduction. 

  The Nature Conservancy does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You are encouraged to consult your own professional advisors on tax matters.

  The Nature Conservancy’s tax ID number (EIN) is 53-0242652.

  For more information about donating to TNC, visit here.

• Who do I contact if I’m having trouble with my donation?

  If you ever have any questions about the Plant a Billion Trees program or need assistance, please contact our member care services by emailing member@tnc.org or calling 800-628-6860.

• How can my company/organization partner with Plant a Billion Trees?

  If you are an company/organization that is interested in partnering with TNC, find more information here.

• Do you have any educational resources I can use at school or share with others?

  While we do not have any specific resources from Plant a Billion Trees, our Nature Lab program has an extensive curriculum to help students learn the science behind how nature works for us and how we can help keep it running strong.