Regreening Wilmington

One North Carolina community’s road to recovery after 3 hurricanes

HURRICANE FLORENCE IN 2018. Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Hurricane Isaias in 2020. Each of these storms made their way through the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina. And with each passing hurricane came more destruction and tree loss.

Through a partnership with the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Tree Recovery program has provided thousands of trees for local residents hoping to restore Wilmington’s once-lush tree canopy. This work began in the fall of 2019, after Hurricane Florence. And the need for trees has only grown with each natural disaster.

In the spring of 2022, more tree distribution events were held to help restore more tree-lined streets and shady backyards — while also breathing life back into the city. Connie Parker, president of the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, emphasized the importance of these efforts. “The replenishment of Wilmington’s tree canopy is vital. These trees will aid in providing habitat for birds, shading homes, and allowing for a sense of normalcy to return to a hard-hit area.”

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Wilmington resident Ronnie Kirkland received two trees at one of the distribution events held in 2020. “After losing two trees in my backyard, one a 40-year-old oak tree, planting the two trees will provide a sense of comfort that once again, my backyard can renew itself,” he said. “And when I am gone, future generations can enjoy them.”

Trees can be an immeasurable source of hope and healing in the wake of natural disasters. Wilmington is one of the many towns we can support thanks to the generosity of Arbor Day Foundation members and partners.