The Village of Wellington, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, hosted a successful community tree planting event on Wednesday, May 28 along Flying Cow Ranch Road.
The volunteer-powered initiative brought together local organizations, including dedicated members of the Wellington Garden Club, to plant 33 trees in an area impacted by the Hurricane Milton tornadoes.
The tree planting project was part of Wellington’s ongoing collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Through this partnership, Wellington continues its mission to restore and strengthen the community’s tree canopy while promoting long-term sustainability, resilience and environmental stewardship.
“Community tree plantings like this not only enhance the beauty and livability of our neighborhoods but also serve as a powerful reminder of the role each of us can play in building a healthier, more resilient Wellington,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “We’re grateful to our local volunteers and the Arbor Day Foundation for their partnership and passion for environmental stewardship.”
The event engaged residents in taking an active role in the health and vitality of their surroundings. Volunteers planted wind-resistant tree species selected for their environmental benefits and ability to thrive in Florida’s climate. The initiative reinforced Wellington’s designation as a Tree City USA, a recognition of its long-standing commitment to urban forestry and green space preservation.
“The Arbor Day Foundation is dedicated to helping our local planting partners unlock the transformative power of trees in their community,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees clean our air, cool our cities and improve the lives of the people around them. We’re happy to help Wellington maximize the impact of their urban canopy and inspire more people to engage with nature in a meaningful way.”
Trees provide a wealth of benefits to the community, from improving air and water quality to reducing heat and stormwater runoff. Vibrant urban forests help reduce respiratory illnesses, encourage physical activity, lower stress levels, reduce crime and foster a deeper sense of community pride.
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members and supporters. To date, nearly 500 million trees have been planted through its global efforts. Learn more at www.arborday.org.
