FirstEnergy Plants Thousands of Trees, Cultivating Greener Communities Across Six States

FirstEnergy's commitment to environmental stewardship shines as thousands of trees are planted annually, fostering greener, healthier communities through dedicated employee volunteer efforts.

AKRON, Ohio – FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is deepening its dedication to environmental well-being by spearheading a significant tree-planting initiative across its six-state service territory. Building on a successful 2025 where over 30,000 trees were planted, the company has set an ambitious goal for 2026, aiming to plant and donate more than 26,000 trees. This ongoing program, which commenced in 2020, underscores FirstEnergy's commitment to creating vibrant and sustainable communities.

Strong Roots in Service: Employee-Led Greening

At the heart of this initiative are FirstEnergy's dedicated Green Teams, employee-led groups that volunteer their time and passion for environmental causes. Since its inception in 2020, these teams have been instrumental in planting an impressive 131,000 trees. Collaborating closely with local parks, schools, and community organizations, they ensure trees are planted in strategic, safe locations, utilizing native species that thrive in local ecosystems. Jessica Shaffer, Advanced Scientist and Lead of FirstEnergy's Green Teams, highlighted the collective effort: "Nearly 800 FirstEnergy employees volunteered their time to help make our communities greener, cleaner and a more beautiful place to live, work and raise a family. These trees are planted in strategic locations, safely away from power lines. We live and work in some of the most beautiful states in the country, and we're committed to giving back by creating greener, cleaner and healthier communities."

A Growing Impact: 2025 Highlights

The impact of these efforts was particularly evident in 2025, with FirstEnergy employees participating in 151 events and contributing 3,438 hours to tree-planting activities. Notably, over half of these events were held in underserved communities, extending the benefits of green spaces to those who need them most. The company reported significant planting numbers across its service areas:

• Ohio: Nearly 14,000 trees donated and planted by 440 employees at 70 events.
• Pennsylvania: More than 6,000 trees donated and planted by 62 employees at 16 events.
• West Virginia & Maryland: More than 7,000 trees donated and planted by 227 employees at 50 events.
• New Jersey: More than 2,000 trees donated and planted by 68 employees at 15 events.

Looking Ahead: A Greener Future in 2026

The ambitious 2026 goal of planting over 26,000 trees signals FirstEnergy's sustained dedication to enhancing air quality, strengthening ecosystems, and improving green spaces for its customers. This commitment is not just about planting trees; it's about cultivating a healthier environment for generations to come.

So, here's to more saplings reaching for the sky and communities blooming brighter, thanks to FirstEnergy's leafy legacy!