Nebraska City, Neb. (June 5, 2009) – The Arbor Day Foundation received a $10,000 World Environment Day Community Grant from Bayer USA Foundation to plant trees in Omaha as part of a student education program to celebrate the United Nations World Environment Day 2009.
With the grant, the Arbor Day Foundation engaged the Omaha Children's Museum and a large group of local Boy Scouts to plant 500 indigenous trees in and around Omaha as part of the United Nations Environment Programme's "Seven Billion Tree Campaign."
Together with the Boy Scouts, the Arbor Day Foundation planted several different species of trees – such as red dogwoods, white oaks and Norway spruce – in Omaha's Tranquility Park. The trees will be nurtured at the park for a few years and will then be replanted in locations throughout Omaha, the site for the North American celebration of World Environment Day 2009.
"Because of the generous donation by Bayer USA Foundation, we are helping to create a healthier planet for the benefit of future generations," said Kevin Sander, director of corporate partnerships with the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees planted thanks to Bayer's gift will positively impact Omaha for years to come by helping to clean the air and water, reduce soil erosion and adding beauty to the area for residents to enjoy."
The Arbor Day Foundation teamed with local Boy Scout troops as part of the Centennial Celebration of the Boy Scouts of America.
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5. It is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates world-wide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. Bayer AG and Bayer Corporation are global and regional sponsors, respectively, of World Environment Day.
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About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.