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Our Projects

MillionTrees Project

MillionTrees Project

The MillionTrees Project was initiated in 2007 to help further our mission to protect, preserve, and restore the natural environment of our nation’s major rivers and their watersheds. Our mission is not only to clean up the riverways but also to enhance the watershed by planting native trees and removing invasive plants.

We started by collecting and planting acorns with the goal of growing one million trees. We reached that goal in 2016, and now, this spring, we’re working to surpass the two million mark!

Each spring, we distribute over 150,000 free tree seedlings, mainly oaks, to groups and individuals willing to get them in the ground.

In May 2014, we broke ground on a tree nursery located at 6000 Eastern Avenue in Davenport, IA. Our trees grow for two to three growing seasons, then are harvested in the spring, and new acorns are planted in the fall.

 

2024 Tree Giveaway

Our 2024 tree request period is now closed! Thank you to everyone who signed up for a free tree! To be notified when the 2025 request period is scheduled to open - please fill out the form below.

This year, we are offering Bur Oak, Red Oak, Swamp White Oak, and Pecan. See the section below for detailed species info!

This year's species are color-coded: Blue Twine = Bur Oak, Red Twine = Red Oak, Natural Hemp = Swamp White Oak, and Green Twine = Pecan.

To help support our project, please email or text pictures of the trees you've received this year and previous years to dan@livinglandsandwaters.org or call 309.236.6599.

If you have questions or concerns, please email Dan at dan@livinglandsandwaters.org or call him at (309.236.6599).

2024 Species of Trees

MillionTrees Project Goals

  • To grow and plant one million+ trees
  • Re-establish native, nut-bearing, hardwood trees along waterways and within communities
  • Provide shelter and a viable food source for wildlife and migratory birds
  • Increase biodiversity
  • Help reduce erosion and run-off
  • Improve water and air quality
  • Mitigate the impacts of climate change
  • Create awareness regarding the value of planting native hardwoods

Upcoming Events

May 2016 – Over 600 students from Riverdale Elementary School (Port Byron, IL) excitedly gathered together with the LL&W crew, and “The Walking Tree of Life” for the presentation and planting of our one-millionth tree!

FAQ’s

  • How can I volunteer?

    If you do not see any open upcoming events - simply send a quick email to trees@livinglandsandwaters.org  and say “Hey!  Put me on your MillionTrees Project Volunteer list!” to be notified about events and links to register.  We also post our calls for volunteers on our Facebook page, so be sure to “Like” LL&W…and tell your friends, too!

  • How can I request trees?

    Click here to snag your free trees on February 12, 2024!

  • Planting instructions

    We care about all of our little trees and want them to grow big and strong….and hope you do too!  Help ensure their survival by watching our "How To Plant a Tree" video!

  • Why is this project important?

    Over the last 150 years, there has been a decline in tree diversity along the shorelines of the Midwest’s mightiest rivers as hardwood trees (such as oaks, hickories, pecan, paw paw, etc.) have been depleted for fuel and building materials, and by flooding and disease. Everyone assumes that there is an abundance of wildlife on the river but many species have nearly disappeared because of the absence of food as the trees that currently exist on the river have little or no food value for wildlife.

    The MillionTrees Project will only plant trees that produce nuts and fruit so that ducks, songbirds, squirrels, wild turkeys, etc. have a viable food source. These strong hardwoods also create a wonderful habitat for wildlife and nesting birds.

    The roots of trees act as filters. Especially when planted along waterways, these roots can help reduce the amount of pollution and run-off entering our creeks, rivers and streams.

    Trees grow long and strong roots in order to keep them in place. These same roots also help keep the ground in place and reduce erosion.
Diversifying the current makeup of trees along our shorelines and in our communities increases the opportunities for beneficial wildlife and insects to live. It also helps protect against viruses, bores, etc. that could otherwise deplete an entire forest that’s made up of just one or two species.

    Trees filter the air we breathe. By absorbing carbon, they reduce the impacts of climate change and the leaves also produce oxygen for us to breathe.

    When planted along shorelines and islands, these trees produce shade over our waterways, keeping them cool for aquatic life and reducing the intensity of algae blooms and eutrophication of our waters. They also keep humans and wildlife safe and cool during hot and steamy summers.

    Aside from all the health and wildlife benefits, trees are just plain beautiful and increase aesthetics everywhere they are planted.

    Perhaps the most important part of this project is the community involvement. Thousands of volunteers annually help LL&W with packaging and planting trees throughout the Midwest.

To learn more or to get involved, please email trees@livinglandsandwaters.org!

Our Impact

  • Pounds of Trash Removed

    13,258,825

  • Volunteers Engaged

    130,547

  • Students Educated

    27,944

  • Trees Planted

    1,953,378

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