HDR Foundation Grant to Arbor Day Foundation Supports Tree Planting in 6 Communities
Through a grant to the Arbor Day Foundation, the HDR Foundation is supporting the planting of an estimated 200 trees across six U.S. communities, leading to significant environmental benefits.
HDR employees are volunteering with tree planting events March 7 through April 25 in Phoenix; Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Denver; Billings, Montana; and Washington, D.C. The Arbor Day Foundation helped select sites to address poor air quality, extreme heat, food insecurity and lack of green space, while also providing community benefits. The grant totaled $180,000 and includes site preparation and multiple years of monitoring and maintenance from local planting partners.
In Phoenix, 23 HDR employees helped plant 28 native and drought-tolerant trees that will provide shade at The Boys and Girls Club and Apache Junction Park, an area encompassing several high schools. The employees prepared roots, planted trees, spread mulch, and secured the trees to posts.
“We live in the Sonoran Desert,” said Marta Reus, West region human resources director. “Adding shade and trees is incredibly meaningful to all of us who live here.”
The Arizona Sustainability Alliance will provide tree maintenance and care for five years.
In Austin, planting trees will support environmental recovery after Winter Storm Mara damaged over 30% of the tree canopy in February 2023. Employees not only helped local partner TreeFolks with planting but also collaborated with Urban Roots, a nonprofit that devotes at least 75% of the fresh produce grown each year to increase food access. Twenty-five native fruit trees were planted at the Urban Roots South Austin Orchard, where youth help grow food within an immersive educational experience.
Volunteers in Austin included members of HDR’s Sustainability Stewards Program, a group of employees who build and promote a culture of sustainability in HDR’s offices.
"It was so special being a part of a local tree-planting opportunity, because we were truly able to feel the tangible impact that the Arbor Day Foundation grant was able to achieve,” said Suveda Sannidhi, water resources engineer-in-training. “This event was also a great way for us to learn about two organizations, TreeFolks and Urban Roots, who do such amazing work.”
About the HDR Foundation
The HDR Foundation provides grants to qualified organizations that align with HDR’s areas of expertise: education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship. As an employee-funded and employee-driven foundation, preference is given to organizations located in communities in which HDR employees live and work, and those with strong employee involvement. Since its inception, the HDR Foundation has provided more than $14 million in grants to over 700 organizations.
About HDR
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.
