Banking Company CIT to Plant 50,000 Trees in Angeles National Forest

CIT and its Pasadena-based banking subsidiary will plant 50,000 trees in the Angeles National Forest through a collaboration with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit organization focused on global reforestation, the company announced Tuesday.

It’s the latest environmental sustainability initiative by CIT and One Tree Planted to support reforestation in key environments. The trees will be planted in the first part of the new year as part of the Sawmill Liebre Reforestation Project, of which CIT is the main donor.

The Sawmill Liebre Reforestation Project aims to establish ecologically appropriate forest cover through the planting of big cone Douglas Fir and mixed conifer in wildlife areas affected by fires. The trees planted as part of the project will support the recovery and revegetation of one of Southern California’s unique forest habitats.

“We are grateful for CIT’s contribution to help us restore the habitat of the Angeles National Forest,” said Matt Hill, CEO of One Tree Planted. “With CIT’s support, we are able to complete the critical post-fire restoration of the forest and support the diverse ecosystems in the area.”

CIT’s three-year partnership with One Tree Planted has led to the planting of 118,000 trees across California and Florida, states where forests have been hard hit by natural disasters and where CIT has a significant business presence, according to Gina Proia, the company’s chief marketing and communications officer.

“We’re pleased to plant 50,000 trees that will make a substantial impact on the environment and a meaningful contribution to the Southern California community where we live and work,” Proia said. “Through our partnership with One Tree Planted and our support of critical reforestation projects, we’re powering forward our commitment to sustainability.”