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Celebrate Arbor Day with the TurfMutt Foundation

As Arbor Day approaches on April 25, the TurfMutt Foundation invites you to reflect on the significant contributions trees make to our environment and our lives. This special day is dedicated to recognizing the impact that trees have in enriching our surroundings, improving our health, and creating beautiful spaces in which we live, work, and play.

Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, aptly describes trees as "environmental superheroes." They play an essential role in cleaning our air, providing shade, supporting local wildlife, and enhancing our mental and physical well-being. This Arbor Day, the Foundation encourages everyone to step outside, enjoy the trees in their community, and consider planting one to create a lasting legacy.

The Benefits of Trees

The TurfMutt Foundation highlights several reasons to express gratitude towards trees this Arbor Day:

• - Reduction of Heat Islands: Urban areas with large parks and tree canopies can cool summer temperatures by up to 10 degrees, with shaded ground temperatures being as much as 36 degrees cooler than unshaded areas.
• - Oxygen Production: Just two mature trees are enough to provide oxygen for a single person to breathe over a year.
• - Improved Air Quality: In Los Angeles, trees remove nearly 2,000 tons of air pollution annually, significantly enhancing the quality of the air we breathe.
• - Health and Happiness: Research from the Arbor Day Foundation indicates that people who spend time in nature and around trees report better mental and physical health compared to those less connected with green spaces.
• - Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Schools with trees on or near their grounds often see improved academic performance among students, illustrating the powerful connection between nature and education.
• - Lower Energy Costs: The Urban Forest Coalition estimates that the presence of 100 million mature trees across U.S. homes results in around $2 billion in annual savings on energy costs.
• - Increased Property Values: Landscaping with trees adds approximately one percent to a home's sale price, with larger, mature trees boosting property values by as much as ten percent.

To foster an appreciation for green spaces, the TurfMutt Foundation offers a collection of free educational resources, including lesson plans and activities designed to engage children and families in environmental stewardship. Their material encourages the next generation to learn about the benefits of trees and inspires them to take action in preserving the environment.

Head over to the TurfMutt Foundation's International Backyarding Fact Book for more insights and don't miss Mulligan the TurfMutt on CBS's Lucky Dog every Saturday morning. Stay updated by subscribing to Mutt Mail, the Foundation's monthly newsletter filled with tips on backyarding and environmental stewardship.

About the TurfMutt Foundation

The TurfMutt Foundation, established by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024. Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation has impacted over 70 million children, educators, and families, promoting environmental awareness through the engaging character of Mulligan the TurfMutt. The Foundation has collaborated with notable education partners such as Scholastic and Discovery, teaching young minds to "save the planet, one yard at a time." The TurfMutt program is also recognized as an official USGBC® Education Partner and has been supported by various educational and environmental organizations across the United States.

As Arbor Day draws near, let us take a moment to give thanks to our trees and the myriad benefits they provide. Whether it's planting a new tree, appreciating the shade of an old one, or teaching our children the importance of green spaces, we can all contribute to fostering a healthier planet for future generations.