It’s a major step in the association’s plan to plant nearly 1.6 million trees nationwide—just one part of its effort to promote sustainability.

The National Association of REALTORS® is planting 215,000 trees in Idaho as part of reforestation efforts in areas of the state that have been affected by wildfires. The trees will be planted in Boise National Forest and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, where fires scorched more than 10,000 acres last year. NAR, in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, aims to plant nearly 1.6 million trees nationwide—representing each of the nation’s REALTORS®—to support sustainability in places affected by climate events and deforestation practices.

“Tree-planting after wildfires is more important than ever,” says NFF President and CEO Mary Mitsos. “These 215,000 trees are a crucial step to not only restore our public lands but to provide cleaner air and beautiful outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy. With NAR’s support and our joint commitment to sustainability and growth, we look forward to a brighter, greener future.”

NAR and NFF in Boise, Idaho
© National Association of REALTORS®
From left to right: NAR President-elect Tracy Kasper; REALTOR® Gail Hartnett; Boise Regional REALTORS® President Debbi Myers; Boise Regional REALTORS® CEO Lisa Martin; Firewise Idaho South Idaho Project Manager Brett Van Paepeghem; National Forest Foundation Reforestation Partnerships Director Mindy Crowell; REALTOR® Georgia Meacham; City of Boise and Treasure Valley Canopy Network Sustainability Specialist Daniel Roop; City of Boise Climate Action Manager Steve Hubble; Valley Regional Transit CEO Elaine Clegg; Urban Land Institute Idaho District Council Executive Director Karlee May; and Idaho Association of REALTORS® President Denise Lundy.

NAR announced the Idaho tree-planting project Friday during a symposium in Boise that highlighted how sustainability is being addressed throughout the state and explored local initiatives, policies and programs impacting development and property transactions. Speakers at the symposium also illustrated the impact of NAR’s project: The 215,000 trees to be planted will capture an estimated 107,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over their lifetime. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, that’s the equivalent of:

  • Powering nearly 21,000 homes annually.
  • The annual emissions of more than 23,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles.
  • Consuming nearly 12.1 million gallons of gas.
  • Charging more than 13 billion smartphones.
  • Driving more than 266 million miles (for an average gas-powered car).

“We are proud of our work at the intersection of the built and natural environments,” says NAR President-elect Tracy Kasper, who is a REALTOR® based in Nampa, Idaho. “Sustainability is directly relevant to what agents and REALTORS® do, and we aim to lead by example—determining how to enjoy resources today and ensure that future generations have the same advantages.”

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