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MetLife Legacy TreesTM
Dec 15, 2023
The Legacy Trees Program is our pledge to plant a tree in honor of each loved one for whom MetLife has paid a Group Life Insurance benefit1. While serving as a living memorial for our insureds, the program will also fight deforestation, provide clean air, shade cover and habitat for animals, while reducing erosion and flooding in communities.
"We are honored to partner with MetLife to help cultivate hope and healing through their Legacy Trees program. As a living tribute to the MetLife community, this program is helping to create more resilient forests and restore vital ecosystems that need it most. Through this collaboration, each tree becomes a legacy that helps build a healthier, more sustainable future for the planet."
– Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation
A Timeline of Progress
Hurricane Michael left thousands of acres of destroyed forest cover in its wake. In addition to providing drinking water for nearly 175,000 residents, these areas are also home to wildlife, including the gopher tortoise, bobwhite quail, Sherman’s fox squirrel, deer, turkey, and more2.
Our Tree Planting Partners
photograph by Matthew Coughlin
MetLife partners with the Arbor Day Foundation and their network of local tree planting partners to implement our tree planting program.
As the world’s largest member nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, the Arbor Day Foundation has been inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees since 1972. And that simple mission has had a global impact. For over 50 years, the Foundation has worked to plant over 500 million trees in forests and communities around the world. And through their strong network of members, partners, and supporters, the Foundation is working to plant another 500 million trees over the next 5 years.
More information is available at arborday.org.
Environmental Statistics Per Tree*
Carbon
Air
Water
Avoided and sequestered CO2 per tree (In pounds):
1%
* Projected 40-year estimates based on a small representative species in this area, configured by Arbor Day Foundation using i-Tree Tools.
Tributes
"La Donna Phillips was a mom, sister, daughter
La Donna Phillips was a mom, sister, daughter and most importantly my best friend and advisor! Always a standup woman! She left too soon, but on her terms!
Douglas Phillips
Gregory Pulliam, you have moved to your next destination
Gregory Pulliam, you have moved to your next destination. Suffering has ceased. You will always be Arianna’s most favorite hello, and her saddest goodbye!
The Pulliam Girls
To honor my dear brother, Jake L. Hurt, who passed
To honor my dear brother, Jake L. Hurt, who passed into Heaven's eternity at the age of 93! Thank you, MetLife for planting a tree in Florida as an enduring memorial of Jake's life and legacy. It is very much appreciated. God Bless You.
Marsha Owens
In loving memory of our mother Elise Wright.
In loving memory of our mother Elise Wright. I was very pleased to learn that MetLife would be planting a tree in the Econfina Watershed. Our mother was always kind and willing to lend a hand when needed. She is deeply missed.
Alana Wright
Mike Otto died Easter Sunday 2023. Mike we miss
Mike Otto died Easter Sunday 2023. Mike we miss you so much. Your daughter Amy, Marcus and grandkids miss you everyday. My heart is broken without you. 50 years together wasn't long enough. I will always love only you, Diane
Diane Otto
Betty Caldwell was an intelligent, feisty red head, strong willed
Read MoreBetty Caldwell was an intelligent, feisty red head, strong willed, a leader, and a courageously good hearted woman. She was a devoted fur mom. She loved me fiercely and taught me no matter what I was born into or endured as a child it would not be my destiny.
Ninette Athmer
My dad, William Stenz, loved to garden. He planted
My dad, William Stenz, loved to garden. He planted numerous azalea bushes in front of a wooded area by his house. Many people have stopped to say how beautiful they are when they bloom. I saw them this year and was so happy that he took the time years ago to add his touch to the area. Thank you so much for honoring him.
Susan Adelson
Dickie and I enjoyed rides to the Blue Ridge Mountains in
Read MoreDickie and I enjoyed rides to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. He would choose mountains over beaches for relaxation. He also loved to ride through our local Manassas Battlefield Park and feed the ducks.
Debbie Dellinger
For a man that remained true to his high principals.
For a man that remained true to his high principals. For a man who could appreciate the simple things in life. For a man that truly loved his profession. To a rare spouse and my best friend, you are truly missed. ❤️🌟
Jenaire Lewandowski
Rodney is the loving father to Hayley McCuan (Matthew Stines)
Read MoreRodney is the loving father to Hayley McCuan (Matthew Stines), Matthew McCuan and the late Coty Steven McCuan; cherished brother to Mitchell McCuan, Rob (Dee) McCuan, Susan (Kenny Faust) Slyconish, Sandi (Mike) Spencer; excited to be a grandfather to Kaylynn Stines and his future grandchildren; loving uncle to many; devoted son to the late Wayne and Sandra McCuan.
Loved One
Frequently Asked Questions
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The trees are planted at the best suitable planting time for the region, within a given calendar year.
The Arbor Day Foundation thoroughly vets planting partners and project teams to ensure that trees are responsibly planted and maintained throughout the entire project process. While Mother Nature can be difficult to predict, you can rest easy knowing that the Arbor Day Foundation and its partners strive to create healthy, thriving forests.
We are planting one tree for each deceased insured individual of MetLife Group Benefits life insurance. There is no limit on how many trees we will plant.
Our planting partners select and plant trees native to the specific area. Trees planted through this initiative are 6 – 10 inch seedlings.
All plantings are completed by contracted professional tree planters and are overseen and assessed by foresters on the grounds.
You are welcome to visit the forest area, if desired. While there is a tree planted for every insureds, there are not plaques or markers on the trees to commemorate that they are MetLife trees.
No, there is no option to opt out or make special requests related to the trees. A tree will be planted for every insured individual for whom MetLife has paid a Group Life Insurance benefit. There is no cost to the beneficiary or policyholder.
No, the MetLife Legacy TreesTM program only applies to Group Life Insurance insureds.
Learn more about MetLife sustainability efforts
MetLife Sustainability