Publix commemorates millionth tree planted with the Arbor Day Foundation

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the seventh consecutive year, Publix Super Markets is supporting the Arbor Day Foundation by funding tree plantings to support reforestation projects throughout Florida. Funded by a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Publix reusable bags, these plantings are part of the company’s efforts to support the restoration of the state’s damaged watersheds.

Most recently, Publix funded the planting of 269,000 trees in Econfina Creek, a once-thriving forest ecosystem in the Florida Panhandle that was devastated by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The plantings, completed earlier this year, will help restore critical habitats for wildlife and reduce water runoff. The latest donation brings the company’s contribution to 1 million trees planted over seven years.

Commemorating the milestone

To commemorate the millionth tree planted and in honor of National Plant Something Day, a tree-planting ceremony was held at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida.

At 168 acres, the land at Bonnet Springs Park was originally one of Florida’s largest rail yard operations. But after closing in the 1980s, the property was unused for more than 40 years before reopening as a park in 2022.

“We’re proud to commemorate the millionth tree milestone at Bonnet Springs Park alongside the Arbor Day Foundation,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “It’s in our mission to be involved as responsible citizens in our communities, which includes improving the areas in which we serve. We look forward to continuing to care for our associates, customers and communities by being good stewards of our environment.”

“Publix’s donations have been instrumental in making a positive environmental impact across Florida,” said Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive Dan Lambe. “We are grateful for their continued support over the last seven years.”

How Publix’s donation makes a difference

Watersheds are essential for supplying drinking water, creating habitats for plants and animals, and protecting ecosystems. Trees planted from Publix donations help protect watersheds by reducing runoff, allowing more water to soak into the soil, reach aquifers and ultimately be transformed into drinking water.

In addition to Econfina Creek, Publix’s donations to the Arbor Day Foundation have funded tree plantings in Little Orange Creek Nature Preserve in Alachua County, Fla.; Sunnyhill Restoration Area in Umatilla, Fla.; Emeralda Marsh in Leesburg, Fla.; and Withlacoochee River Watershed, which flows through Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, Polk and Sumter counties in Florida.

Moving forward, Publix plans to expand tree plantings to other states within the company’s operating area, creating an even more widespread impact.

More information about Publix’s sustainability efforts

For more information on the company’s sustainability efforts, visit sustainability.publix.com.

About Publix Super Markets

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 240,000 associates, currently operates 1,341 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 26 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. With a focus in communities and forests of greatest need, the Foundation — alongside its more than 1 million members, supporters and valued partners — has helped to plant nearly 500 million trees in more than 50 countries. Guided by its mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to unlocking the power of trees to help solve critical issues facing people and the planet. Learn more about the impact of the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.