On Wednesday, Niagara Cares, the charitable division of Niagara Bottling, LLC, the family-run beverage company that has hydrated America since 1963, partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation with the help of IDEAS for Us to plant 42 trees at Gadson Street Park in Groveland.

The Groveland community has endured historical disinvestment and redlining, which has resulted in limited access to nature and green space. Niagara team members from the nearby Groveland facility helped plant the trees, which will increase tree canopy cover, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide shade and cooling to combat urban heat island effect for generations to come. A diverse blend of Florida-native tree species were selected for their ability to thrive in the area’s soil and climate.

“We have been a part of the Groveland community for over 16 years, and we love to support residents in a way that benefits their overall quality of life, places sustainability at the forefront and strengthens community connections,” says Ann Canela, director of corporate giving at Niagara Bottling. “In addition to cooling their surroundings and making outdoor spaces more livable, trees help protect our water basins, improve water quality, and mitigate climate-related water risks. Through this ongoing partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, our local Niagara Cares volunteers contribute to our goal of planting 250,000 trees across the United States in 2025.”

Niagara has long been dedicated to supporting the communities where they operate by championing healthy lifestyles through quality hydration and environmental stewardship.

In 2024, Niagara Cares and the Arbor Day Foundation hosted 10 community volunteer events as part of their goal to plant over 125,000 trees across the U.S. Over the next five years, the two organizations aim to plant 1 million trees through volunteer events and community partnership projects. Their goal is to inspire community forestry stewardship, improve watershed quality, and create healthy, vibrant spaces nationwide.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, tree planting improves both water quality and availability in communities around the world. Trees are crucial for protecting water resources and ensuring a clean, sustainable water supply, acting as natural filters that purify water by absorbing pollutants. In fact, it is estimated that 75% of the world’s accessible freshwater comes from forested watersheds.

“It is always inspiring to partner with an organization that cultivates a culture of stewardship by inviting and encouraging colleagues to participate in creating a positive impact in their community,” said Katie Loos, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Thanks to Niagara Cares’ commitment to supporting healthier community environments and the hands-on efforts from their team members, the impact of this project will provide local residents and the Groveland community with a multitude of socio-environmental benefits for years to come.”

For more than 50 years, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked to plant more than half a billion trees around the world. Through a global network of partnerships, the Foundation facilitates projects that empower organizations of all sizes to reach their environmental and sustainability goals via meaningful, measurable work.

“At IDEAS for Us, we believe that environmental action starts at the local level, and this initiative is a perfect example of how community-led efforts can create lasting change,” said Kristin Anderson, chief branch officer of IDEAS for Us. “By planting these trees in Groveland, we are not only restoring critical green spaces but also fostering a healthier, more resilient community. We’re proud to collaborate with Niagara Cares and the Arbor Day Foundation to bring tangible environmental solutions to the people who need them most.”

For more information visit niagarawater.com/niagara-cares and  arborday.org.