Last week the National Association of REALTORS® announced a partnership with the National Forest Foundation in which one tree will be planted for every Realtor.

“As part of our association’s comprehensive sustainability and resilience plan, NAR is leading by example, like we always do,” said NAR President Leslie Rouda Smith, who spearheaded the initiative. “We’re hoping to foster more vibrant communities by increasing the number of trees around us, delivering cleaner air, enhancing stormwater mitigation and encouraging biodiversity in ecosystems.”

NAR and the National Forest Foundation (NFF) plan to plant 1.575 million new trees by the end of 2025, thanks to a $1.575 million donation from NAR. That many trees will reduce 750,000 metric tons of carbon in the atmosphere — the equivalent of 145,931 homes’ yearly electricity use.

“The future of our national forests depends on partnerships like this one to sustain natural ecosystems, foster resilient forests and promote healthy communities,” NFF President and CEO Mary Mitsos said. “Each contributing dollar means one more tree planted to help mitigate wildfires, offset carbon footprint, combat climate change and maintain 193 million acres of national forests.”

While exact locations of the new trees have not yet been decided, priority will be given to areas affected by deforestation, drought or wildfires. NFF only plants native trees that are ecologically suited for the ecosystem in which they are planted.