Apache Corporation (NYSE, Nasdaq: APA) announce it has donated 4,000 trees to Hike for KaTREEna, helping the organization reach a milestone of 25,000 trees planted in New Orleans.
The donated trees were planted by students from Tulane University's MBA program during Hike for KaTREEna's "Give NOLA Day" on May 6. Among the trees planted was a Southern Magnolia, marking a milestone of 25,000 trees planted by the organization to date. The tree was planted in front of the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo, which is the historic site where President Thomas Jefferson signed the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
"Our city looks so good thanks to Apache Corporation," said Hike for KaTREEna Director Connie Uddo. "We thank them TREEmendously for everything they do."
Hike for KaTREEna is a nonprofit organization dedicated to replanting trees in New Orleans following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Apache's 2014 grant pushes total contributions to 13,500 trees awarded to the organization.
Planting trees for life
This planting season, Apache has distributed more than 250,000 trees to 47 organizations throughout Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
The city of Moore, Okla., received 4,000 trees for planting at Little River Park and additional trees through Apache's grant to the Tree Bank Foundation. The city is partnering with Keep Moore County Beautiful to plant the additional trees in park areas damaged by a recent tornado.
Another organization to receive trees from Apache was the Arbor Day Foundation.
"Thanks to Apache's continued support, we will be able to plant much needed trees in New Mexico," said Dan Lambe, vice president of Programs and Partnerships for the Arbor Day Foundation. "These trees will help to provide cleaner air and water, habitat for wildlife and beauty that everyone can enjoy for years to come."
The Arbor Day Foundation received 64,000 trees from Apache to restore 156,000 acres of arbor life in Santa Fe National Forest that was destroyed by the 2011 Las Conchas fire.
"We appreciate the support that the Arbor Day Foundation and Apache Corporation have provided to our restoration efforts, especially in Cochiti Mesa," said Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor Maria Garcia. "Their efforts to replant this critical watershed in our area will not only benefit the immediate area, but all who depend on it."
Sowing seeds for 2014-2015 planting season
Since 2005, Apache has awarded nearly 3.7 million trees to nonprofit organizations in 16 U.S. states to help improve wildlife habitats, restore storm damage, and enhance cities and neighborhoods in areas where the company operates. The trees go to nonprofit organizations including cities, counties, schools, parks, universities, youth associations, wildlife refuges and community groups. Grant applications for the 2014-2015 planting season are being accepted through July 31, 2014. For more information about the Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program or to access the grant application, visit www.apachecorp.com/trees.