Lee declares March 16 as 'Tennessee Tree Day'

NASHVILLE — In February, Gov. Bill Lee signed the “Tennessee Tree Day Resolution,” (HJR0712) declaring March 16, 2024, as “Tennessee Tree Day.”

The resolution encourages Tennessee residents to participate in this annual event by reserving trees to plant at their homes and farms. This is the 10th annual statewide tree-planting day organized by Tennessee Environmental Council in its efforts to improve the environment and communities of our state.

Online tree reservations may be made at tectn.org/tennesseetreeday. The last day to reserve trees is Monday, March 4th, and supplies are limited. There are more than 160 volunteer-run community tree-pick-up locations across the state where participants will be able to pick up the trees they have reserved.

“Tennessee is blessed with natural beauty and rich natural resources, which will only be around for the future if we invest in them today,” said Lee. “I am pleased to declare March 16, 2024 ‘Tennessee Tree Day’ and encourage Tennesseans to get outdoors, plant trees and improve our communities.”

As of this week, more than 6,000 Tennessee residents and organizations are signed up to plant more than 87,000 native trees across Tennessee on Tree Day 2024 (March 16th). The annual event is supported by more than 50 partnering organizations, including Tennessee Division of Forestry, UT Extension, Atmos Energy, and National Wildlife Federation.

“People and wildlife always benefit from more trees,” says Patrick Fitzgerald, Senior Director of Community Habitat with National Wildlife Federation. “Native trees help to cool our communities, support clean water and prevent flooding, absorb planet-warming carbon dioxide, and provide essential habitat for wildlife like pollinators,” says Fitzgerald. “NWF is proud to support this event year after year as a way to provide opportunities for all to learn about the environment while making an impact in the community and enjoying quality time in nature,” says Fitzgerald.