January 4th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

The 5 Million Trees Initiative is nearing nearly half a million trees planted. More than 180,000 trees were planted in Maryland in 2023 bringing the total number to 471,890. Maryland Department of Natural Resources planting have accounted for 321,000 trees, or about two out of every three trees planted. Community organizations, private partners, and other state agencies have also planted trees counted towards the overall goal.  The 5 million tree planting goal launched after the General Assembly passed the Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021, directing the planting of 5 million native trees on Maryland’s public and private land by 2031.