Ten years ago, Community Greening began with a simple idea.

After watching tree canopy disappear throughout Delray Beach, co-founders Mark Cassini and Matt Shipley asked a simple question: Why is no one planting trees back?

What started in 2016 as two guys with a vision, has since grown into a much larger movement that has transformed neighborhoods, parks, schools, and public spaces across South Florida.

Today, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate Community Greening’s 10th Anniversary, and the planting of more than 30,000 trees across Palm Beach, Broward, and parts of Martin County!

Those 30,000 trees tell an incredible story. They’re planted in neighborhood parks, providing children with shaded areas to play. They’re lining walking and biking trails, producing cooler and more inviting spaces to exercise and explore. They’ve transformed schools across the county, creating greener campuses that will benefit generations of students. And they’ve created urban orchards like The Community Grove, where neighbors can pick fresh fruit just outside their door. 

Those trees are creating valuable canopy not just on public property, but for homeowners as well! Thousands of residents have received a free tree through a CG giveaway or delivery program, which have brought the benefits of shade, cleaner air, lower energy costs, and fresh produce directly into people’s yards.

But this milestone has never been about a number. Over the past decade, we’ve watched complete strangers become lifelong volunteers and planting events turn into enormous community gatherings. We’ve watched young children plant their very first tree alongside retirees who have spent decades giving back to their communities. Students, scout troops, families, faith groups, college clubs, corporate volunteers, civic organizations, and neighbors from every background have all stood together with a shovel in hand, working toward the same goal – planting a greener and more resilient South Florida.

Community Greening has grown from just two guys trying to make a difference in their own town, into a well-respected organization that has ten full-time staff, multiple Certified Arborists, a thriving Youth Tree Team, its own tree nursery, and is completing impactful projects across three counties.

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary network of supporters that have contributed over the years. 

To the thousands of volunteers who continue showing up week after week – often in the South Florida heat. To our amazing staff and Board of Directors for their tireless effort and support. To our municipal partners, sponsors, foundations, and corporate partners who have believed in this mission and have invested in greener communities. To our phenomenal DJs who keep the energy high during our events, our amazing photographer that captures these special moments, and every single person who has planted even one tree with us – thank you for making this all possible!

While we’re proud to celebrate the last ten years, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead. As the old saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The next best time is today.

Here’s to the next 10 years of planting a greener, cooler, healthier, and more resilient South Florida!