When we planted our first native oak seedling in March 2020, we had no idea if this crazy idea would work. Five years later, we've planted 500,000 trees, restored over 200 miles of riverbank, and built a community of thousands of dedicated volunteers.
By the Numbers
The stats tell part of the story: half a million trees across 15 watersheds, 12,000 volunteer hours logged this year alone, and partnerships with 43 farms implementing sustainable practices. But numbers don't capture everything.
They don't show the retired teacher who comes to every planting event and brings homemade cookies. They don't capture the farmer who was skeptical about buffer zones but is now our biggest advocate. They don't reflect the eight-year-old who wrote us a letter asking how she could help save the rivers.
What We've Learned
Building this organization taught us that people care deeply about their local waterways—they just need clear ways to help. We've learned that sustainable agriculture and environmental protection aren't opposing forces; they're partners. Most importantly, we've learned that restoration work requires patience, persistence, and community.
Looking Ahead
Our next five years are even more ambitious. We're expanding into three new watersheds, launching a native plant nursery, and developing partnerships with agricultural universities. Our goal? One million trees by 2030.
None of this happens without you—our volunteers, donors, and partners. Here's to the next five years of cleaner rivers, thriving ecosystems, and communities working together.
Tags: milestone, anniversary, impact, volunteer appreciation, future goals