Second Nature Brands has pledged to plant one million trees by 2026, focusing its efforts on global agroforestry initiatives and local planting and tree restoration in the greater Detroit area. 

To help meet its goal, Second Nature Brands is also announcing partnerships with One Tree Planted, an environmental nonprofit; ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide nonprofit volunteer tree planting and education organization;  and Vanguard Community Development, a broad-based community development entity that advocates and works for Detroit’s Historic North End neighborhood.

“Our vision for the future is to make things better by nourishing people and nature and planting one million trees with partners like One Tree Planted and ReLeaf Michigan helps us toward delivering on that vision,” said Victor Mehren, CEO of Second Nature Brands. “With more than 90 percent of the ingredients in our products coming from trees, it's vital to our business that farms and forests thrive. Whether it’s cacao trees in Africa or shade trees here in Detroit, planting trees helps slow climate change, rejuvenate crops and promote healthier living locally and abroad."

Under its Second Nature Snacks brand, the company will donate a portion of its revenue across all its products, including its new Second Nature Snacks' SmartMix line, to help support tree planting programs in Cote d'Ivoire, where the company sources its cacao. 

“We’re honored to work with Second Nature Brands on reaching their goal of planting one million trees,” said Matt Hill, chief environmental evangelist for One Tree Planted. “One Tree Planted initiatives bring great benefits to local communities, contribute to cleaner air and water, enhance biodiversity, and create a positive impact on people and the planet."

In partnership with Vanguard Community Development, ReLeaf Michigan, and the Detroit Collaborative Design Center in the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture, Second Nature Brands employees will plant trees in Black Bottom Park in May. The event will be the first of the company's planned quarterly restoration and planting events for the next three years and beyond. 

“Planting trees locally will not only help beautify our city but also contribute to the health and wellbeing of our community which is vital to Second Nature Brands' success as a local company,” Mehren said.