MillionTreesNYC Announces Toyota as a New Driving Force Behind Campaign to Plant One Million Trees by 2017

- Toyota Pledges Three-Year $1.4 Million Sponsorship of MillionTreesNYC -

NEW YORK, April 25 -- MillionTreesNYC, a public-private partnership between the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and New York Restoration Project (NYRP) to plant and care for one million new trees in New York City by 2017 today announced a new supporter in its mission to improve New York City's environment. Toyota has signed a three-year $1.4 million sponsorship with MillionTreesNYC that will support tree planting, public education and community outreach activities -- all aimed at getting every New Yorker involved in tree planting and stewardship activities.

Through a mix of public and private plantings, MillionTreesNYC, an important initiative of Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC, will expand New York City's urban forest by 20%. All New Yorkers will share in the many benefits that come from planting trees -- more beautiful neighborhoods and parks; cleaner air and water; higher property values; energy savings; cooler summer streets, yards, and public open spaces; and a healthier, more environmentally sustainable City. MillionTreesNYC partners and citizen volunteers are planting in places such as schoolyards and playgrounds, public housing campuses, business districts, commercial and residential developments, front yards and other private lands.

"Toyota has responded loud and clear to the MillionTreesNYC call to action," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "Their generous sponsorship to help plant and care for one million new trees in New York City over the next decade will contribute to the tangible 'greening' of our urban landscape in historic proportions. Toyota's generous financial contribution also sets a strong example of how businesses and corporations can help make New York City a healthier place for all to live."

"With the support and leadership of corporations like Toyota who are putting environmental initiatives at the forefront, we can truly change the landscape of this City and our planet," said Drew Becher, Executive Director of New York Restoration Project. "MillionTreesNYC is honored to have Toyota's ongoing support for our campaign."

Toyota has been a long-time supporter of environmental and tree-planting initiatives across the country. MillionTreesNYC will further Toyota's mission to support sustainable initiatives, particularly in communities where they operate. Toyota joins The Home Depot Foundation as a lead sponsor of the MillionTreesNYC initiative and BNP Paribas as presenting sponsor of MillionTreesNYC Month.

"We are so proud to be a part of MillionTreesNYC, because we know that trees are one of the most sustainable solutions for our environment," said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president of Toyota Motor North America. "This initiative will bring lasting results that will help our environment for years and years to come."

During MillionTreesNYC Month this April 2008, MillionTreesNYC launched a campaign encouraging all New Yorkers to "think globally and plant locally" enlisting community, corporate and youth volunteers from all five boroughs to roll up their sleeves and plant trees. Throughout the month, Parks, NYRP, and MillionTreesNYC partners have hosted free citywide events for the public including tree education seminars, tree stewardship workshops, tree pruning instructional courses, Urban Park Ranger tree identification hikes, and large scale volunteer tree plantings.

  There are many ways to get involved in MillionTreesNYC:

   -- Plant a tree in your yard;
   -- Join a volunteer group planting trees in parks and on public land;
   -- Request that the City plant street trees on your block;
   -- Learn how to water, mulch, and prune trees;
   -- Educate other New Yorkers on the importance of our urban forest; and
   -- Become an advocate for trees.

  To learn more about MillionTreesNYC, visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311.

  About New York Restoration Project:

Founded by Bette Midler, New York Restoration Project (NYRP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to reclaiming and restoring parks, community gardens and open spaces in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout New York City's five boroughs. In partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, NYRP launched MillionTreesNYC in 2007 -- a public-private partnership to plant and care for one million new trees throughout the City by 2017.

Since its founding in 1995, NYRP has accomplished dramatic results by investing in New York City's open spaces and diverse, underserved communities. NYRP staff and core of volunteers have planted over 100,000 trees and shrubs to support the restoration of New York City's parks and public spaces; removed more than 925 tons of garbage and debris from project sites; saved 114 community gardens from commercial development; transformed an illegal dumping ground into the five-acre Swindler Cove Park and Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse; and continues to serve New York City's families and at-risk youth through environmental education programs and events. For more information on NYRP, visit www.nyrp.org.

About Toyota:

Toyota established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, with another under construction in Mississippi. Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Through its corporate initiatives, manufacturing operations and philanthropy, Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. In 2007, Toyota contributed more than $56 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S. For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit TOYOTA.