In the recent past there has been an effort to raise the awareness of global warming, to introduce “green” building methods, and implement other means of mitigating it. Trees are a major factor in the reduction of global warming and often neglected in their contributions. They take in carbon dioxide to create food for themselves. They provide oxygen for us to breathe, cool our houses in the summer with their shade, absorb pollutants from traffic, and provide protection for pedestrians between streets and sidewalks.  

Two years ago, New York City embarked upon a tree planting mission as a public-private partnership, together with the New York Restoration Project, to plant one million new trees in 10 years. Earlier this month they celebrated the 25% mark by planting the 250,000th tree with a ceremony. The idea for 2015 by 2015 in Saratoga came in part from this project in New York City.

The Heritage Tree Society of Saratoga will be tracking the City's effort to plant 2015 trees between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015.The Heritage Tree Society will be creating an online database of the trees that have been planted. Residents will be able to share information about trees that have been planted by filling out a tree planting form and submitting it to the Heritage Tree Society.