House Joint Resolution 89, sponsored by Freeman, designates March 15, 2025, as "Tennessee Tree Day" to celebrate the state's rich biodiversity and the importance of its tree canopy. The resolution highlights the benefits that trees provide to Tennessee's economy, communities, and overall quality of life, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by human development and natural disasters that lead to tree loss. The Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) has been actively involved in tree planting efforts since 2007, successfully planting over one million native trees across all ninety-five counties with the help of more than 100,000 volunteers.
On this designated day, the TEC plans to engage thousands of volunteers in planting over 100,000 native trees, reinforcing the need for community involvement in preserving and expanding Tennessee's tree canopy. The resolution commends the TEC for its leadership in organizing these events and pledges continued support for their initiatives, including providing tree seedlings and educational resources. The resolution aims to foster a spirit of cooperation among various organizations and agencies to enhance Tennessee's environmental health through tree planting efforts.