Adopt-A-Tree in Central Park

Create a lasting legacy in New York’s greatest greenspace. Join the thousands of New Yorkers who have helped preserve the natural beauty of Central Park by adopting a tree.

Thank you for your interest in the Tree Trust program. We are making updates to our In-Park Recognition programs. Donors who communicated with Conservancy staff about adopting a bench between January 1 and June 30 will have until July 31 to finalize their adoption at the 2024 donation rate. For questions, please contact: [email protected].

Central Park's 18,000 trees are vital guardians of New York City's environmental health—absorbing 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually per mature tree, capturing millions of gallons of stormwater, and providing essential shade, clean air, and scenic beauty to more than 42 million visitors yearly. Your gift to the Central Park Conservancy’s Tree Trust ensures that these cherished trees—from flowering cherries to statuesque elms— continue their critical work, sustaining our urban oasis for generations to come.

Support the Trees That Support New York

The Tree Trust offers many unique recognition opportunities at varying contribution levels to honor someone special or celebrate a special milestone.

Sapling: $500

Benefits:

  • Help plant new disease-resistant trees in Central Park

  • Receive a personalized commemorative certificate

  • Honor someone special

  • Support the long-term conservation of the Park

  • 100% tax-deductible donation
Plant a Sapling for $500

Adopt-A-Tree: $7,500

Benefits

  • Adopt an existing mature tree

  • Receive a permanent, engraved granite paving stone on Literary Walk in the heart of the Park

  • Printed tree certificate is available upon request

  • Select your personal tree virtually with our expert

  • Honor someone special

  • 100% tax-deductible donation

  • With an additional donation of $1,000, select your tree in-person with a specialist
Adopt-A-Tree for $7,500

Adopt-A-Tree Family: $18,000

Benefits

  • Adopt a family of three trees of the same species

  • Receive a permanent, engraved granite paving stone on Literary Walk. Printed tree certificate is available upon request

  • Select your tree species in-person with a specialist. In this one-hour tree tour, an expert guide will help you select the tree species of your three trees. No additional donation required.

  • Honor someone special

  • Enhanced Park legacy

  • 100% tax-deductible donation
Adopt-A-Tree Family for $18,000

Effective July 1: New required donation rates for the Adopt-A-Bench and Tree Trust programs will take effect.

Donors currently in communication with Conservancy staff and in the process of adopting a bench or tree as of July 1 will have until July 31 to finalize their adoption at the 2024 donation rate.

For questions, please contact: [email protected]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I adopt a tree?

With a $7,500 donation, you can adopt a mature tree in Central Park. With an $18,000 donation, you can adopt a family of three mature trees of the same species.

Once we receive your donation and preferences for location and tree species, we will prepare a selection of options for your consideration. After your tree is confirmed, we will guide you through the process of designing an engraved granite paving stone in recognition of your gift to the Park, to be installed on Literary Walk.

What are the limitations to what I can include on the paving stone?

There are five templates to choose from. The paving stone will be engraved with the name of the selected tree species, the year of your endowment, and your name and/or the name of someone you wish to honor or memorialize.

Please note that the paving stone does not have space to include a message. However, we can prepare a certificate that can include a special message upon request.

Donors are requested to submit their paving stone inscriptions within one year of the tree endowment date.

Will there be anything installed on or near the tree?

Donors are not recognized at the tree site to preserve the ecosystem of the landscape. Instead, we recognize all donors who adopt a tree through personalized granite paving stones. These paving stones for endowed trees in Central Park are installed at the southern end of Literary Walk, mid-Park at 66th Street. Plaques or paving stones cannot be installed on or near the tree.

How long does it take to install the paving stone?

Once a paving stone draft is approved, it takes approximately six months for the paving stone to be produced and installed. You will be notified once the paving stone is installed. If you need something immediate to present to the honoree, we are happy to provide a printed certificate.

May I choose the location where the paving stone is installed?

Paving stones are installed as they arrive within the Tree Trust recognition area of Literary Walk. Donors are unable to select a specific location for pavers. We will send you an image of your installed paver at Literary Walk.

I want to plant a sapling. Is there an in-Park recognition for this gift?

Sapling donations do not receive in-Park recognition. However, you or the person you are honoring will receive a beautiful, printed certificate in recognition of your $500 donation. Wherever saplings are planted in the Park, you will know yours is among them. With this donation, you are unable to select a specific tree, and this gift does not include a personalized paving stone.

If you would like to recognize someone in the Park, please refer to our Adopt-A-Tree and Adopt-A-Family of Trees options, which include a personalized granite paving stone at Literary Walk.

I am an existing Tree Trust donor, and my paver has faded. May I request a replacement?

Yes, existing tree donors may request a replacement paving stone for a donation of $1,750. Please note that we estimate up to 6 months from the approval of the paver proof for your paver to be installed. To request a paving stone replacement, please email [email protected] with your name, tree species, and paving stone inscription.

Contact

For more information on the Tree Trust program, a program of the Women's Committee, email [email protected].

Tree Trust Chair

Sarah Britton