EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS (April 25, 2024) — Living Lands and Waters, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and restoring the natural environment of our nation’s major rivers and their watersheds, is thrilled to announce the planting of its two-millionth tree. This significant milestone marks a moment of achievement in the ongoing effort to enhance river ecosystems and support biodiversity.
Since the initiation of the MillionTrees Project in 2007, Living Lands and Waters has been committed to the ambitious goal of planting native trees to restore and revitalize riverine landscapes. The MillionTrees Project not only aims to combat the decline in tree diversity along the shorelines of the Midwest’s major rivers but also addresses crucial environmental issues such as habitat loss, erosion control, and water pollution.
The two-millionth tree will be planted at Arconic in Riverdale, Iowa, a site of special significance to Living Lands and Waters. Arconic, formerly known as Alcoa, has been a steadfast supporter of the organization since its inception in 1997, playing a pivotal role in enabling the realization of its mission. The planting ceremony, scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2PM, will commemorate this partnership and celebrate the collective efforts toward environmental stewardship.
Living Lands and Waters Founder Chad Pregracke expressed gratitude for the longstanding collaboration with Arconic, stating, "Arconic was there for Living Lands and Waters from day one, over 26 years ago, and LLW wouldn't be where we are today without the solid support of partners like them. Their commitment to our cause has been instrumental in our journey towards restoring America’s rivers."
“Our commitment to the environment, recycling, and sustainability runs deep at Arconic,” said Jeff Weida, Vice President of Manufacturing Davenport Works. “We are proud of our nearly three-decade-long partnership with Chad and Living Lands & Waters and many of our employees who have planted trees through LL&W’s program.”
The MillionTrees Project underscores the importance of tree-planting in preserving ecosystems, supporting wildlife habitats, mitigating climate-change, and fostering community engagement. Through initiatives like the distribution of free tree seedlings and volunteer-driven planting events, Living Lands and Waters engages thousands of individuals annually to contribute to the MillionTrees Project mission. If you would like to get involved in the MillionTrees Project, contact dan@livinglandsandwaters.org.
For more information about Living Lands and Waters, visit livinglandsandwaters.org.
About Living Lands and Waters
Living Lands and Waters is a 501(c)(3) environmental organization founded by Chad Pregracke in 1998. The organization's mission is to aid in the protection, preservation, and restoration of the natural environment of the nation's major rivers and their watersheds. From its single-boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an industrial-strength, internationally-known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats. Spending up to nine months a year living on the barge, LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river clean-ups, hands-on environmental education workshops, tree plantings, and more. For more information, visit livinglandsandwaters.org.
