COVINGTON, La (press release) – Niagara Cares, the charitable division of Niagara Bottling, LLC, is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation with the help of the NOLA Tree Project to distribute 500 trees at the Covington Recreation Complex, 4001 De Porred Rd.
The giveaway serves residents in St. Tammany Parish, an area that has been environmentally harmed by tree loss due to rapid housing and commercial development, as well as the ongoing impacts of historic natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Niagara team members from the nearby Ponchatoula facility helped hand out the trees, which, when planted, will improve stormwater management and filter runoff. The trees will also support wildlife by creating diverse habitats and strengthen the area’s ecological resilience.
“We are proud to support the Covington community and to contribute to efforts that enhance both the environment and quality of life for residents,” said Ann Canela, director of corporate giving at Niagara Bottling, in a release about the tree distribution. “By giving away 500 trees, we’re helping improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and create a greener, healthier future for the community. Through our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, and with the support of NOLA Tree Project, we’re making meaningful progress toward our goal of planting 250,000 trees across the U.S. in 2025.”
Niagara has long been dedicated to supporting the communities where they operate by championing healthy lifestyles through quality hydration and environmental stewardship. This tree giveaway project highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing water quality and availability around the U.S.
In 2024, Niagara Cares and the Arbor Day Foundation hosted 10 community volunteer events as part of their goal to plant over 125,000 trees across the U.S. Over the next five years, the two organizations aim to plant 1 million trees through volunteer events and community partnership projects. Their goal is to inspire community forestry stewardship, improve watershed quality, and create healthy, vibrant spaces nationwide.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, tree planting improves both water quality and availability in communities around the world. Trees are crucial for protecting water resources and ensuring a clean, sustainable water supply, acting as natural filters that purify water by absorbing pollutants. In fact, it is estimated that 75% of the world’s accessible freshwater comes from forested watersheds.
“It is always inspiring to partner with an organization that cultivates a culture of stewardship by inviting and encouraging colleagues to participate in creating a positive impact in their community,” said Katie Loos, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Thanks to Niagara Cares’ commitment to supporting healthier community environments and the hands-on efforts from their team members, the impact of this project will provide local residents and the Covington community with a multitude of socio-environmental benefits for years to come.”
For more than 50 years, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked to plant more than half a billion 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 meaningful, measurable work.
For more information visit niagarawater.com/niagara-cares and arborday.org.
