Million Trees NYC is a citywide green activity , which aimed at planting exactly one million trees in New York over the period of ten years, has been a success and an inspiration for many citizens. This is a public-private initiative where The City of New York will plant 60% of trees in parks and other public spaces, and he other 40% will come from private organizations, homeowners, and community organizations. For a second year in a row, BNP Paribas USA took an active part in the Million Trees month in New York City.

On Arbor Day, Friday, April 24th, 100 BNP Paribas USA employees and 300 New York City fifth grade students participated in the first MillionTreesNYC Tree-mendous Challenge.They were divided into 40 teams, each team – composed of a mix of employees and students – they competed in a series of challenges that tested their planting, stewardship knowledge and skills. At the end of the day, BNP Paribas employees and students planted, mulched and watered 250 new trees at a New York City public housing development and schoolyard. These fifth grade students will graduate in 2017, the year when New York City is scheduled to achieve its Million Trees objective.

On “Hands on New York Day“, also part of MillionTreesNYC, Saturday, April 25th, 40 employees went to Spring Creek Park, Gateway Estates located in Brooklyn and planted, mulched and watered 1000 small trees. This year’s “Hands On” day allowed volunteers to plant 20,460 trees in total, adding to the 175,000 trees that have already been planted through MillionTreesNYC bringing New York yet closer to its Million Trees goal.

Have a look at the slide show of the event, click here to get more pictures.