As real estate professionals, the environments we help our clients move into matter deeply—not only for aesthetic and financial value, but as vital community assets. One powerful, tangible way agents can give back is through eco-friendly philanthropy, especially tree-planting efforts that beautify, cool, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Here’s how you can lead with practicality, purpose, and compliance.
Idaho: Rooted in Community Resilience
Elaine Clegg’s City of Trees Challenge (Boise)
- Launched in 2020 under Boise City Council President Elaine Clegg, this initiative aimed to plant one tree for every household in Boise (100,000 urban trees) and one seedling for every resident (235,000 forest seedlings) by 2030 Treasure Valley Canopy NetworkArbor Day FoundationCity of Boise.
- In spring 2024, the goal of 235,000 seedlings—primarily in Boise National Forest and the Pioneer Fire burn scar—was reached six years ahead of schedule City of BoiseUS Nature4Climate.
This effort—driven in partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Idaho, the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and Treasure Valley Canopy Network—demonstrates how agents can amplify impact through multi-agency collaboration City of BoiseUS Nature4Climate.
Treasure Valley Canopy Network (TVCN)
- A nonprofit advancing sustainable urban forestry throughout Boise and the Treasure Valley. TVCN leads the City of Trees Challenge, offers free tree programs for residents, coordinates “Tree Captains” volunteers, and provides canopy resources Treasure Valley Canopy Network+1.
- Example: their “Putting Down Roots for Good” partnership with ExtraMile Arena has planted over 3,000 trees—funded through arena events—building green infrastructure in local parks and nearby forests Treasure Valley Canopy Network.
Idaho Forest Products Commission – Tree Seedling Giveaways
Since 1995, the Commission has given away hundreds of thousands of seedlings from local businesses and organizations to celebrate Arbor Day in Idaho Idaho Forests Products Commission.
Idaho Department of Lands – Arbor Day & Urban-Community Forestry Grants
- In 2025, 45 Arbor Day grants of $350 each will be awarded to support tree planting across communities (“Planting Idaho”) Idaho Digital Library.
The Department also administers Urban & Community Forestry (UCF) grants—$10,000 to $100,000—for tree planting, risk management, workforce development, etc., for eligible nonprofits, cities, or tribes Idaho Digital Library.
Montana: Strengthening Green Across Landscapes
Growing Friends of Helena
- A volunteer-driven nonprofit focused on urban tree planting in Helena, ensuring diverse, well-cared-for trees and shrubs, engaging in planting projects, public education, and local government support Growing Friends.
Montana Tree Farm System
A nonprofit under the American Tree Farm System that empowers private forest owners to manage lands sustainably—conserving habitat, water supplies, and recreation through certified stewardship American Tree Farm System+1.
Washington: Equity, Engagement & Green Justice
Tacoma Tree Foundation
- A community-based nonprofit aiming to grow Tacoma’s urban forest with an environmental justice lens. In 2024 alone, they distributed 5,300 free trees with 2,000 volunteer hours, prioritizing neighborhoods with low canopy coverage Tacoma Tree Foundation.
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust
- Coordinating large-scale restoration in the Lake Sammamish area, this nonprofit has planted nearly 10,000 native trees/shrubs in 2024, and over a million since its founding. They host volunteer planting events like the Oct 2025 Tree Planting Celebration Mountains To Sound Greenway Trust.
Washington State Tree Equity Collaborative
A statewide partnership between American Forests and the WA Department of Natural Resources to expand urban tree canopy equitably, using Tree Equity Score tools to prioritize underserved communities American ForestsAxios.
Why It Matters for Realtors & Communities
- Enhances Property Values: Tree canopy increases curb appeal, reduces energy costs, and strengthens neighborhood desirability.
- Builds Community Trust: Sponsoring or participating in tree-planting aligns agents with visible, values-based leadership.
- Meets Ethics & Fair Housing: Ensure equitable distribution of tree benefits—in line with NAR’s Code of Ethics—by prioritizing diverse, low-resource neighborhoods.
- Activates Sustainable Giving: Integrate free tree giveaways into client transitions or open houses; coordinate group plantings during closings.
Call to Action for Realty Teams
- Feature Local Initiatives in Your Content
- Spotlight TVCN’s work or Boise’s success in your blog/social content.
- Spotlight TVCN’s work or Boise’s success in your blog/social content.
- Host or Sponsor Planting Events
- Coordinate with Growing Friends of Helena or Tacoma Tree Foundation for agent-led volunteer planting days.
- Coordinate with Growing Friends of Helena or Tacoma Tree Foundation for agent-led volunteer planting days.
- Bundle Tree Donations with Transactions
- Offer to fund a seedling from the Idaho Forestry Commission giveaway on behalf of clients.
- Offer to fund a seedling from the Idaho Forestry Commission giveaway on behalf of clients.
- Stay Grant-Aware
- Monitor grant cycles like Idaho’s UCF or Arbor Day grants to amplify community efforts.
- Monitor grant cycles like Idaho’s UCF or Arbor Day grants to amplify community efforts.
- Promote Equity-Centered Trees
- Use tree equity tools (e.g., Washington’s Tree Equity Score) to identify underserved areas where your branding can support green equity.
However you choose to give, we appreciate the positive impacts you make in your local communities!