The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees
Rooted in Gratitude. Growing for Good.
As 2025 winds down, we're reflecting with deep gratitude—for the trees we’ve planted, the canopy we’ve protected, and the community that makes it all possible: you.
This past planting season, thanks to supporters like you, ACFT planted 148 trees and distributed 900 more. Together, we:
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Trained 50+ Tree Stewards, who’ve cared for 400+ young street trees.
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Forged a formal partnership with the City of Wilmington, expanding plantings and stewardship efforts in communities where tree equity is urgently needed.
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Spoke up for the canopy, advocating to protect Sledge Forest, improve state legislation, and preserve land like the Flossie Bryan Tract for future generations.
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Laid the groundwork for stronger protections through Code & Canopy, our ambitious new advocacy initiative to stop unchecked development from wiping out mature trees.
This work is growing—but so is the need.
Since 2016, Wilmington has lost 17% of its tree canopy, and more forests fall to bulldozers every week. New Hanover County lost 3,000 acres in just eight years (2014-2022). The clock is ticking on our region’s natural heritage.
Here’s the good news: the Alliance is stepping up its work in every possible arena!
This planting season alone, we have five major planting projects on the calendar and four tree giveaways across three counties. We're poised to distribute more trees than ever before—4,300+ in total. This year’s lineup is intentionally biodiverse, from sturdy canopy species like oaks and longleaf pines to pollinator-friendly understory trees and more than 500 fruit-bearing varieties headed to neighborhoods facing food insecurity.
As you can tell, our impact is growing exponentially. But none of it happens without you.
Help us meet this moment and click here to make a year-end gift! Your support ensures that every tree we plant is nurtured to maturity and that the next generation inherits a greener, cooler, healthier Cape Fear.
The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees is a non-profit charitable organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3). Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
WAYS TO DONATE:
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By Mail: Please make your check out to "Alliance for Cape Fear Trees," and mail to 7 Beauregard Drive, Suite 2, Wilmington NC 28412. (Please write "donation" in the memo line.)
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Via a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your traditional IRA or Donor Advised Fund (Tax ID# 85-2353072)
Would you like to make your gift in honor or memory of a loved one? Simply indicate your wishes on the donation form. We're happy to acknowledge your beloved family member, friend, or even pet in our communications, such as our newsletter and/or social media, should you choose. Please note that ACFT ended the Legacy Trees program in 2025. However, we continue to welcome general donations made in honor or memory of loved ones.
Live
Oak
Circle
If you are interested in an enhanced level of support, please consider joining our Live Oak Circle ($1,000 or more in annual giving)!
A gift in your will or living trust is a simple way to ensure our work continues in the future. No matter the amount your gift will support the health of our urban forest for generations to come.
See our simple Bequest Form to let us know your intentions and to recognize your generosity.