RETREET®
Working with local partners, Keep America Beautiful and RETREET® are focusing on a new strategic priority: community restoration and resiliency.
An October 2020 report by the United Nations notes a disturbing trend that natural disasters are occurring with greater frequency—3x more often than 50 years ago—and, unfortunately, with greater intensity and complexity, affecting more and more people.
Given this, the time to focus on community restoration and resiliency is now.
RESTORATION & RESILIENCY
RETREET® is the only program in the world redefining disaster relief by engaging communities to replant lost trees.
Come Plant With Us!
Keep America Beautiful’s RETREET program is a unique environmental initiative dedicated to replanting trees in communities affected by natural disasters. Recognizing that trees play a crucial role in the ecological and emotional recovery of a community, RETREET activations mobilize volunteers and partners to restore urban forests and residential landscapes devastated by hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and other natural disasters.
Our self-activating RETREET Digital Toolkit guides individuals through the process of implementing an activation in their community. Through our step-by-step process, the toolkit covers topics like expert planning, local engagement, and hands-on tree-planting efforts to help communities rebuild greener, healthier, and more resilient environments. The Toolkit engages communities to work closely with local residents, municipalities, and tree experts to ensure that the right species of trees are planted in appropriate locations, optimizing their long-term growth and sustainability.
Make A Difference That Lasts Decades
Tree planting is an enjoyable and physically engaging activity, and proper planting techniques are easily taught. That newfound knowledge will last a lifetime and will encourage volunteers to become greater stewards of the environment. On site, the impact each volunteer makes will last for generations to come.
For our volunteers: Please keep the following in mind:
RETREETs take place in communities in which local volunteers are rebuilding their lives, often in the midst of total devastation.
Remember the extreme emotional toll such loss takes on those whom we are helping, and be sensitive to such pain when the desire crops up to take photos or remove an item from a property. Ask politely if you feel it is appropriate.
- Each volunteer is an ambassador of our organization. We kindly ask that you act as such.
- Let us know ahead of time if there is something you will need.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dirty.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly.
- If you bring your own shovel or other equipment, make sure it is marked.
- Bring sunblock.
- Smiling is contagious.
Come plant with us! Take action today!
Affiliate Network
Individual Action Center
Partners for Change
YOUR DONATION IN ACTION
Your generosity allows us to expand our program offerings, fund community improvement projects from coast to coast, and provide the means needed to make meaningful and lasting impact in local communities across the U.S.