Latest news with #DanLambe
National Geographic
03-07-2025
- National Geographic
The unexpected natural wonders near America's busiest airports
Flight delays at America's major airports, once a source of anxiety, now represent opportunities for unexpected adventures. Some travelers secretly hope for a delay that provides a chance to step beyond the terminal and discover the natural wonders, such as a hiking trek through bamboo forests near Atlanta or a journey through a wildlife refuge in Denver. 'In difficult moments, nature is scientifically proven to bring us peace,' said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. 'Research shows that access to trees and green space lowers our brain's levels of cortisol, which is our primary stress hormone, and improves cognitive function.' When flight cancellations and hours-long delays threaten to derail a trip, these nine hiking trails, all within 15 miles of major U.S. airport hubs, offer a refreshing alternative to overcrowded food courts and uncomfortable gate seating. (Here's what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.S.) Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Atlanta Beyond the bamboo forest at East Palisades, Atlanta offers Cochran Mill Park just 20 minutes from the airport, with nearly 15 miles of hiking trails leading to the serene Henry Mill Falls. The park's diverse terrain accommodates hikers of all skill levels, with the Yellow Trail offering the most direct route to the waterfall. 'Travelers are often shocked to learn they can be standing under a waterfall within a half-hour of leaving our terminals,' said Adam Berrios, executive director of Visit Sandy Springs. 'And no one expects to find themselves in the midst of an exotic bamboo forest just 12 miles north of Atlanta. That's what makes the East Palisades Trail in Sandy Springs so special.' How to get there: Take the MARTA Red Line from the airport to Sandy Springs Station for nearby trailheads or rideshare for $25-30. O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway system offers more than 50 miles of trails, with a section conveniently located near O'Hare in Rosemont. From the cluster of airport hotels, you can access the trail behind the Hyatt Regency, stepping directly from the lobby to the forest path. The Schiller Woods section offers 2 to 3 miles of well-maintained trails, providing a perfect blend of accessibility and immersion. How to get there: Many airport hotels provide direct access, or take the Blue Line one stop to Rosemont and walk 10 minutes to reach the starting point of the Des Plaines River Trail. (Everything you should know about Chicago) Travelers can hike the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail at Kenneth Hahn Recreational Area if they have an extended layover at LAX. Photograph by Chris LaBasco/Shutterstock Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is situated less than 10 miles from LAX and features five miles of trails with panoramic views that extend from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean. For those with more time, the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu rewards hikers with a route so gentle you could walk it in flip-flops, shaded by sycamores and oaks. The trail leads to the foundations of a house designed by Paul R. Williams, the same architect who designed LAX's Theme Building. How to get there: A rideshare provides the fastest access from the airport. (Everything you should know about Los Angeles) LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York Pugsley Creek Park & Castle Hill Park offer trails where hikers can trace a maritime forest while enjoying views of the Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges. The trail's unique selling point is the scenic overlooks where you can watch planes land at LaGuardia while surrounded by coastal vegetation. The 1.2-mile Pugsley Creek Wappinger Trail honors the Native American tribe (Wappinger) who originally inhabited this region. The trail winds through diverse hardwood forests. How to get there: The Q44-SBS bus from LaGuardia takes approximately 30 minutes. (Your travel guide to New York City) Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle The Des Moines Creek Trail provides a 2.2-mile paved path starting just south of Sea-Tac Airport and continuing to Des Moines Beach Park on Puget Sound. The trail follows a salmon-bearing stream through a ravine forest, offering glimpses of air traffic taking off overhead. For a quicker escape, North SeaTac Park offers over 200 acres of green space with 2.5 miles of trails, just two miles from the terminals, featuring paths that wind through a dense Pacific Northwest forest. How to get there: Air travelers can take a five-minute rideshare for $10-15, or the Link Light Rail one stop to Tukwila International Boulevard Station. (Everything you should know about Seattle) If you have extra time in Denver, you may want to consider a hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where it's not uncommon to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, prairie dogs, and wild bison. Photograph by Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge sits just 12 miles from Denver's terminals and offers more than 10 miles of trails through a restored prairie ecosystem. Once a chemical weapons manufacturing facility, this 15,000-acre refuge now protects bison herds, bald eagles, and prairie dogs. 'One of the best ways to experience the Refuge is with a vehicle along the 11-mile Wildlife Drive,' said Sarah Metzer, Visitor Services manager. 'The accompanying podcast offers insight into the Refuge's history as well as the nature and native wildlife that visitors may see.' How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-30. (What you should know about Denver) San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco San Bruno Mountain State & County Park offers 2,416 acres of rugged landscape just 10 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. The 3.1-mile Summit Loop Trail rewards hikers with 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Bay, and the airport below. The 0.4-mile accessible Bog Trail loop explores San Bruno Mountain's wetland 'Saddle Area,' where travelers can choose between a leisurely path or a more rugged route through dense vegetation alive with California quail and songbirds. How to get there: Take the BART to the San Bruno station, then catch the Route 130 bus for a 10-minute ride to the park. (Everything you should know about San Francisco) Adventurous hikers can go hiking along the Great Falls Trail for scenic views of the Potomac River in Virginia. Photograph by Zack Frank/Shutterstock Air travelers can destress from a flight delay or cancellation by taking a relaxing hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Denver. Photograph by Jim West / Alamy Stock Photo Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix The South Mountain Park and Preserve, just 10 miles from Sky Harbor, encompasses more than 16,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The Desert Classic Trail is an easy 2.4-mile loop, and is dotted with iconic saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and dramatic rock formations. The Mormon Trail ascends 1.3 miles to Hidden Valley, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. How to get there: A 15-minute rideshare from Sky Harbor costs approximately $18-25, or take the Valley Metro Rail to Central/Washington and transfer to bus route 40. (Essential guide to visiting Phoenix) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles, Va. Great Falls Park, just 15 miles from Dulles, Va., offers dramatic scenery where the Potomac River plunges 76 feet over ancient rock formations. The River Trail is an easy 1.3-mile walk to multiple overlooks of the thundering falls, while the challenging Billy Goat Trail Section A offers 1.7 miles of rock scrambling along the river's edge. The park connects to the historic C&O Canal Towpath, adding layers of American history to your nature escape. How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-35. (Dreading a long layover? Here's how to turn it into a second vacation.) Heide Brandes is an award-winning travel journalist and co-host of the travel podcast 'Untethered & Wanderwise' who specializes in adventure travel and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Follow her on Instagram.
Associated Press
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
Arbor Day Foundation: 30% of Tree Projects Related to Extreme Heat in 2024
LINCOLN, Neb., June 30, 2025 /3BL/ - New data shows that last year, nearly one-third of the Arbor Day Foundation's tree planting work in cities and towns was related to addressing extreme heat. 'Communities are struggling to endure the pressures of rising heat and they're reaching for trees as a way to cope. This data is a validator of trees in their role as critical infrastructure. In our world's cities, trees are a 'must-have', not just a 'nice-to-have',' said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. 'As the rate of extreme heat increases, so must our response. The Arbor Day Foundation is focused on leveraging the latest data and technology to help reach communities in need. Alongside our global network of planting partners, we're meeting the moment with action.' The new data analysis from the Arbor Day Foundation revealed last year's 115 heat-related projects resulted in more than 52,000 trees planted or distributed with the specific aim of creating cooling. These trees were brought into front yards, back yards, city streets, parks, playgrounds, and school campuses across 27 U.S. states and seven additional countries. Trees planted in cities and neighborhoods have the power to reduce life-threatening heat by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and improve air quality worsened by the heat. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the last 10 years have been the hottest years on the planet, with 2024 being the hottest ever recorded. The rising heat has proven deadly. The National Weather Service estimates extreme heat accounts for more deaths annually in the U.S. than every other natural disaster combined. Additionally, extreme heat is proven to increase hospitalizations related to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. In total in 2024, the Arbor Day Foundation planted or distributed a combined 1.5 million trees across 409 tree planting projects in cities and towns. In addition to extreme heat, projects helped to improve air quality, support disaster recovery efforts, establish food forests, and grow green spaces in undercanopied areas. The work was accomplished in collaboration with 235 local planting partners in 46 U.S. states and 28 countries. Click here to learn more about how the Arbor Day Foundation leverages data, science and mapping to focus its work in communities where extreme heat has a disproportionate impact. About the Arbor Day Foundation The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they've answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at ### Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Arbor Day Foundation
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Arbor Day Foundation: 30% of Tree Projects Related to Extreme Heat in 2024
LINCOLN, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New data shows that last year, nearly one-third of the Arbor Day Foundation's tree planting work in cities and towns was related to addressing extreme heat. 'Communities are struggling to endure the pressures of rising heat and they're reaching for trees as a way to cope. This data is a validator of trees in their role as critical infrastructure. In our world's cities, trees are a 'must-have', not just a 'nice-to-have',' said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. 'As the rate of extreme heat increases, so must our response. The Arbor Day Foundation is focused on leveraging the latest data and technology to help reach communities in need. Alongside our global network of planting partners, we're meeting the moment with action.' The new data analysis from the Arbor Day Foundation revealed last year's 115 heat-related projects resulted in more than 52,000 trees planted or distributed with the specific aim of creating cooling. These trees were brought into front yards, back yards, city streets, parks, playgrounds, and school campuses across 27 U.S. states and seven additional countries. Trees planted in cities and neighborhoods have the power to reduce life-threatening heat by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and improve air quality worsened by the heat. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the last 10 years have been the hottest years on the planet, with 2024 being the hottest ever recorded. The rising heat has proven deadly. The National Weather Service estimates extreme heat accounts for more deaths annually in the U.S. than every other natural disaster combined. Additionally, extreme heat is proven to increase hospitalizations related to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. In total in 2024, the Arbor Day Foundation planted or distributed a combined 1.5 million trees across 409 tree planting projects in cities and towns. In addition to extreme heat, projects helped to improve air quality, support disaster recovery efforts, establish food forests, and grow green spaces in undercanopied areas. The work was accomplished in collaboration with 235 local planting partners in 46 U.S. states and 28 countries. Click here to learn more about how the Arbor Day Foundation leverages data, science and mapping to focus its work in communities where extreme heat has a disproportionate impact. About the Arbor Day Foundation The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they've answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at
Associated Press
22-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Four Companies Make Major Commitments to Arbor Day Foundation's Hurricane Recovery Campaign
LINCOLN, Neb., April 22, 2025 /3BL/ - In a matter of months, the Arbor Day Foundation's corporate partners have committed a combined $2.35 million to the nonprofit's campaign, aiming to plant 10 million trees in states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Truist Charitable Fund, MathWorks, Bank of America, and Target all committed to the hurricane recovery initiative after it was announced by the Foundation in late October. 'We felt a strong pull to make a commitment to long-term recovery after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and clearly, we weren't alone. In the face of devastation, these companies have made the bold choice to step up and invest in a better future,' said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. 'Thanks to their leadership and the collaboration of our local planting partners, we can accelerate our effort to restore what's been lost, enhance community resilience, and replant hope.' The new funding from Truist Charitable Fund, MathWorks, Bank of America, and Target was supplied in addition to the projects these companies already support through the Arbor Day Foundation. Because of their support, tree recovery work began in the fall and will continue this spring in communities impacted by the back-to-back hurricanes, like Asheville, North Carolina. The Arbor Day Foundation aims to plant 10 million trees over next four years in communities and forestlands in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The Foundation has been heavily invested in assisting disaster-affected communities and forestlands since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in 2005 and has planted and distributed millions of trees as a result. The work has aided recovery efforts following hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and floods. There is still a great need for support as the Foundation seeks to replant hope following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Click here to learn more about how to help build towards better days in the region. About the Arbor Day Foundation The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they've answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at ### Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Arbor Day Foundation
Associated Press
16-04-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Arbor Day Foundation and Subaru Drive Community Impact With 100,000 Donated Trees
Originally published on TriplePundit Subaru recently committed to sponsor the largest community tree distribution in the Arbor Day Foundation's history. Dan Lambe of the Foundation explains more about the power of trees and the impact this effort will have on communities and ecosystems across the U.S. It's easy to take trees for granted since they're embedded in the landscape of our lives. They grow strong and silent, never asking for anything and always giving something. Clean air. Cool shade. A sense of peace. But in order for us to continue to enjoy the benefits of trees in the future, we can't afford to overlook them in the present. Right now, communities across the country are enduring mounting challenges like rising temperatures, frequent extreme weather events, and poor air quality. These pressures put a strain on infrastructure, threaten public health, and disrupt daily life. Trees have a remarkable ability to help us address these impacts and make our communities more resilient in the process. Unfortunately, we're losing trees at an alarming rate. Factors like urban developments, natural disasters, and disease are thinning our tree canopy at a moment when we need it most. According to the U.S. Forest Service, cities and neighborhoods lose approximately 36 million trees annually — equivalent to 175,000 acres of coverage each year. The Arbor Day Foundation's Canopy Report found more than half of Americans must drive to reach their nearest green space. We feel the absence of trees in tangible ways. In the lack of shade at our children's playgrounds. In the rising summer energy bills. In the flooding after periods of heavy rain. This isn't just about statistics — it's about the strength of our communities. We need to bring an abundance of trees to our cities and neighborhoods, but we can't do it alone. Because something that is bigger than all of us, takes all of us. While no single organization, company, or individual can solve our environmental challenges alone, together we can grow solutions at the scale our changing world demands. This understanding drives the impactful partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and Subaru. As the world's largest tree planting nonprofit, the Arbor Day Foundation has collaborated with hundreds of corporate partners to foster healthier cities and forests. Last year, Subaru joined our extensive network and has committed to sponsoring the largest community tree distribution in the Foundation's history. Through this work, Subaru will activate its nationwide network of retailers to support more than 600 tree distribution events this year. More than 95 percent of Subaru's retailers volunteered to be part of this initiative, all energized by the opportunity to make their respective communities greener. Thanks to their participation, there will be distributions in every state in the continental United States and Alaska, and luckily, the work is already well underway. This hands-on, community-driven approach is helping to create a ripple effect of environmental impact, with Subaru's retailers serving as local hubs for environmental action. In a moment that demands bold action, Subaru is a continued force for environmental stewardship. Subaru has already demonstrated its commitment to social impact through its Subaru Love Promise. The Subaru Love Promise is built on five core pillars including the environment, health, education, pets and community. The company has already helped plant 1.1 million trees in forests affected by wildfires while also supporting and protecting U.S. national parks. In addition to being a leader in the Arbor Day Foundation's community tree planting initiative, Subaru is also collaborating with the Foundation to help plant 20,000 trees in forests of greatest need. A commitment of this scale is important as we continually seek to drive positive impact through tree-based initiatives. Trees are a proven and vital community asset. For example, a single tree can provide a day's supply of oxygen for up to four people while also absorbing nearly 10 pounds of polluted air each year. Collectively, urban and community trees across the country remove 711,000 metric tons of air pollution annually. Communities with robust canopies experience reduced rates of asthma and other respiratory problems. Trees also add value through their water management abilities. One mature deciduous tree intercepts 500 to 700 gallons of water annually, helping to prevent erosion, filter pollutants and manage the impact of urban flooding. Trees can even reduce high temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, a potentially lifesaving amount in an increasingly warmer world. Beyond these physical health benefits, research shows that people living near parks and green spaces report better mental health. As part of its Subaru Loves the Earth initiative, the automaker's partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation is not only an investment in trees, but also an investment in public health and community resiliency. Work is already underway and as these trees take root across America, they'll do more than strengthen our urban canopies. They'll demonstrate how strategic partnerships can address environmental challenges while building happier and healthier neighborhoods. Each tree planted through this initiative will serve as a living testament to what can be achieved when we work together. Because the power of a tree extends far beyond the moment it's planted. It's the beginning of a long legacy, benefiting our communities and our planet. Trees have the answers to some of the most challenging issues facing our world today. They just need bold leaders ready to plant them. This article series is sponsored by Subaru of America and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team. Dan Lambe is the CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, founded in 1972, which has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with over one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Dan leads the strategic development of programs and partnerships through which the Foundation strives to educate, recognize, and empower people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from TriplePundit
