FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025
LAKE ANNA, VA (October 9, 2025) – Amazon has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant and distribute trees at Lake Anna State Park as part of a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Planting efforts will be coordinated by the York River Steward, Leslie Anne Hammond, with the help of Amazon employees and community volunteers, to both distribute trees to residents and install trees in the park.
This program builds on the Arbor Day Foundation’s long-term partnerships to bring trees to the places they’re needed most—forests, neighborhoods, and public lands. By funding and supporting local planting initiatives, Amazon and the Arbor Day Foundation are helping to restore natural habitats, protect waterways, and provide communities with greater access to green spaces.
The Lake Anna project will kick off with a tree giveaway on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Lake Anna State Park. The following day, Monday, October 20, 2025, Amazon employees will join staff and volunteers to plant trees across the park from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (volunteers on site from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM). Lunch will be provided for participants.
“We understand how vital Lake Anna State Park is to our neighbors as a treasured resource for recreation and connection to nature,” said Lisa Schooley, Community Engagement Manager, Amazon. “This partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and the York River Steward allows us to put our sustainability commitments into action while directly supporting the Lake Anna community. By planting trees together with residents, we’re investing in spaces where families can connect with nature for generations to come.”
This planting and distribution project will focus on reducing erosion and providing shade and habitat for wildlife. Additionally, research shows that access to greenery and natural spaces has positive benefits for residents’ physical and mental well-being.
“Planting trees in communities like Lake Anna is a meaningful way to strengthen both the environment and the people who live here,” said Lachel Bradley-Williams, Senior Manager of Community Trees for the Arbor Day Foundation. “We are grateful to Amazon and the York River Steward for coming together with residents to make this impact possible.”
For the past 50 years, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked to plant nearly 500 million 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 measurable, impactful work through trees and forests.
Are you interested in participating in the volunteer tree planting on Monday, October 20th? CLICK HERE
Are you a resident of Spotsylvania or Caroline County and want to register for a FREE tree? CLICK HERE
About the York River Steward
Founded in 2021, the York River Steward is fiscally sponsored by Friends of the Rappahannock, which serves the 17 counties that make up the York watershed, Mobjack Bay, and Piankatank River basins.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners, and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
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For any questions, please contact:
Leslie Anne Hammond
York River Steward
leslieanne.hammond@yorkriversteward.org
This project and giveaway were only made possible because of the following organizations’ support.
