For many years, National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the USDA Forest Service have maintained a partnership sustaining our national forests through a program formerly known as Penny Pines. Plant-A-Tree is the new reforestation and forest education program.
Each garden club can now participate by contributing to this meaningful conservation project. All contributions help the Forest Service plant trees across the national forest system where reforestation is needed most – places most impacted by wildfires, drought, flooding and other forest disturbances.
FROM PENNY PINES TO PLANT-A-TREE
‘Plant-A-Tree’ better reflects the NGC’s program mission and will help us reach a wider audience. States, regions, districts, clubs, and/or individuals may participate in this new program. Please note, a $50.00 minimum is required with each donation.
Changes have been made to the donation process:
Donation Amount – Donations were previously required in increments of $68. Donors can now contribute any amount, starting at $50 to as large as $10,000.
Certificates – As of May 31, 2025, mailed certificates to donors will no longer be provided. Digital certificates will be offered that donors can customize and print themselves. All donors will be asked to provide their email address so NGC can electronically send out tax receipts and online certificate links & instructions.
Donating to Specified Forests – Donors may choose to have their donation be placed where it is most needed [as determined by the Forest Service] or they may select a specific National Forest.
However, the Forest Service reserves the right to utilize funds based on need. If a National Forest is specified where there is no tree planting need, the donation may be used for another forest.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Donate Online – Donating online is the preferred way of donating. NCG accepts debit cards, credit cards, PayPal and Venmo. Go to https://form.jotform.com/242136090115142 for the NGC fill-in form.
Donate by Mail – Donations may still be made by check. Mail the completed form with a check to:
National Garden Clubs, Inc.
National Headquarters
4401 Magnolia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110-3492
Members can visit NGC’s Forms Library to find the Plant-A-Tree donation form. All contributions must be a minimum of $50.
NGC understands these changes may raise questions or concerns and it wants to assure members it is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Heartfelt thanks are extended to all clubs for their support and dedication to reforestation efforts. Past contributions have made a lasting impact.
By Ann Krsiean
Ann is the AFGC Plant-a-Tree Chairman.
Photo 1 NFS
A minimum $50 donation plants sapling trees in a national forest where wildfires have destroyed trees.
Photo 2
Wildfires destroy millions of acres of forests each year.