The Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization focused on planting trees. In the fight against climate change, corporate involvement is essential, but many companies struggle to know where to invest their resources. This is where the Arbor Day Foundation comes in, helping connect corporate sustainability efforts to impactful projects that benefit both people and the planet. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology from Esri, the Foundation effectively visualizes its work and makes it easier for companies to understand the benefits of trees.
Maximizing impact with a location lens
The Arbor Day Foundation works with numerous corporate partners to maximize its impact on global environmental issues. Using GIS technology, the Foundation can map out high-impact projects and prioritize areas that need attention. This strategic focus allows the Foundation to balance the needs of its corporate partners while adhering to high project standards.
For example, the collaboration with Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSI), which started in 2021, demonstrates the power of GIS in action. When Pottery Barn committed to funding the planting of 3 million trees, it set off a chain reaction. Other WSI brands, including Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm, joined forces, doubling their initial goal to plant 6 million trees by 2023. GIS plays a crucial role in identifying the best locations for these trees, ensuring they are planted in areas that will sequester carbon, improve biodiversity, and clean the air and water.
Companies want to ensure that their investments are effective. To address this need, the Arbor Day Foundation uses scientific data and GIS technology to help partners visualize and communicate the impact of their projects clearly. This approach builds trust and encourages more corporate investments in nature-based solutions.
Additional solutions driven by GIS technology
The Arbor Day Foundation recognized the need to improve its operations and efficiency using GIS technology. With Esri tools like ArcGIS Pro, the Foundation modernized its processes by creating digital maps that show forest locations and maintain updated information on each site.
The Foundation also uses GIS to automate data collection, allowing staff to focus on more critical tasks rather than manual data entry. This technology lets it monitor forest conditions and helps identify threats and opportunities in real-time. By applying predictive modeling, the Foundation can prioritize climate action effectively.
The Arbor Day Foundation uses tools like ArcGIS Hub and ArcGIS StoryMaps to educate the public about the issues it addresses. As threatened locations grow, these stories highlight urgent risks, including rising temperatures, droughts, and pollution.
The Arbor Day Foundation has expanded its reach to over 55 countries by employing a geographic approach. It has established a dedicated GIS team focused on unlocking the full potential of these technologies to make a meaningful impact on climate and environmental issues worldwide.
“The biggest opportunity for geospatial information at the Foundation is to guide our investments globally in forests and communities,” stated Ben Wilinsky, the Foundation’s Director of Partnerships and Innovation. “We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how geospatial information systems can help us focus on the forests and communities that need it most. This technology enables us to think globally and act locally.”
For more information on how you can use GIS to maximize your organization’s impact download our GIS for Nonprofits eBook.
