American Forests

Whitebark pine can live for more than 1,000 years. Entire ecosystems depend upon these elders of the forest. But, the species faces a number of threats from pests, disease, wildfire and climate change. Forests take decades, even centuries, to recover. Without intervention, these ecosystems may never fully return. Today, American Forests, the National Park Service, and an entire ecosystem of people and partners, are restoring whitebark pine landscapes across some of America's most iconic public lands and national parks, using a variety of science-backed restoration activities. Learn more about our work to restore this keystone species through our partnership with the National Park Service: https://lnkd.in/eu7x9p7D

In Maricopa County, more people are dying from extreme heat than homicide. In South Phoenix, this isn’t just a stat. It’s a lived reality felt every day in neighborhoods with little shade and trees. That’s why local leadership matters. Through our Catalyst Initiative, American Forests is supporting Unlimited Potential AZ to help residents be a part of the solution for extreme heat, advocate for more trees and build careers in growing greener, healthier neighborhoods. Together, we’re proving that investing in communities, powered by local action, means investing in solutions that last. Read how local leaders are advancing Tree Equity in Phoenix: https://lnkd.in/eSGKnU-8 #TreeEquity #RootedInCommunity #PoweredByLocalAction

Eve Bernhard hopes to leave a legacy. “Whitebark pine is something that’s bigger than myself that I feel like I can still make a difference about,” Bernhard says. “Kind of like when you look at the night sky and you feel really overwhelmed by how tiny you are. I think I look at the world of whitebark pine, and it’s this vast ecosystem that in a way makes me feel that sense of awe. But I also feel like it’s something that I can make a difference in...[it] has really come to feel like something that could be my legacy." Watch the full film and read the story of Eve's collaborative efforts to restore whitebark pine, including support from Life Time Foundation: https://lnkd.in/e5h_z3Hm

Staying power matters. 🌲 At American Forests, we build solutions that last. We believe that enduring impact relies on continuity, trust, collaboration and a willingness to evolve with the places we serve. Whether restoring longleaf pine across the Southeast, rebuilding the native forests of Hawai'i that are found nowhere else, or advancing Tree Equity in communities nationwide, we know that restoration requires commitment. In our recent magazine mini-feature, read a snippet of stories that show how enduring, national-scale impact continues to be achieved through local, place-based collaboration and the grit to stay long enough for change to take root. Read the full story and explore more stories through our Impact Map: https://lnkd.in/eKgTunUr

The City of Austin is often characterized by its eclectic vibe — a tapestry of culture, music and art — and a striking contrast of dense urban skylines and expansive green spaces. Yet the benefits of that urban forest are not evenly shared. Austin has committed to changing that, guided by its ambitious, equity‑centered goal: achieving 50% citywide tree canopy with a focus on neighborhoods with the greatest need. American Forests is proud to support City of Austin and local partners like TreeFolks in advancing this long‑term, community‑driven vision for Tree Equity. That collaboration reached an exciting milestone: Austin has officially adopted American Forests’ Tree Equity Score — becoming the first municipality in the nation to do so. This tool will help the city strategically direct resources to the neighborhoods where trees can make the greatest difference for people. Read more about the story of Tree Equity in Austin: https://lnkd.in/eXZwd3px

In a campus garden in Atlanta, Sister Terri Ali is growing more than vegetables. She’s cultivating important connections between children and trees. At Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, stewardship is part of everyday learning. Through hands-on farming and tree cultivation, students practice responsibility, care and respect for the living systems around them. This is just one example of how faith is driving stewardship and advancing Tree Equity. Our partners Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, with support from our Catalyst Fund, are mobilizing change across Georgia one congregation and faith-based community at a time to ensure everyone has access to the benefits of trees. The impact of the work Georgia Interfaith Power & Light and Sister Ali are doing demonstrates the power of community leadership to shape a more resilient future. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eBZVCpwK #TreeEquity #RootedInCommunity #PoweredByLocalAction

This International Day of Forests, we are celebrating the power of trees... not just in large landscapes, but in the heart of our cities. Urban forests cool our streets, improve air quality, support health, and bring communities together. But access to these benefits isn’t equal everywhere. That’s why #TreeEquity matters. This year, we’re honoring the local leaders and community champions like Louisiana Green Corps, Unlimited Potential AZ, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light & Goshen City who are growing a nationwide movement from the ground up by planting trees, building belonging, and creating greener, healthier neighborhoods for all. Read the full story and watch our feature film: https://lnkd.in/e65bmUjr #TreeEquity #RootedInCommunity #PoweredByLocalAction

This International Day of Forests, we are expressing gratitude not only for our forests, but also for the people working to restore them: Scientists, ecologists, land managers, government agencies, Tribal partners and a vast ecosystem of supporters ... all working together to safeguard forests for future generations.🌲 Whitebark pine forests serve as iconic backdrops for some of our most cherished memories or bucket-list vacations. But they're more than that: They're integral ecosystems that we all depend on. Presented by American Forests in partnership with Life Time Foundation, watch "An Ecosystem of People" to see how we are preserving these landscapes for the future: https://lnkd.in/e5h_z3Hm

Leveraging deep expertise and long-term partnerships, American Forests successfully navigated an evolving political landscape in 2025, focusing on steady leadership, coalition building and practical solutions that advance forest health across all landscapes. A cornerstone of this work was the 9th American Forest Congress, which convened nearly 500 forestry professionals, policymakers, Tribal leaders, researchers and partners from across — and beyond — the sector. Looking ahead, the principles and resolutions developed at the American Forest Congress will guide our policy priorities in 2026, which remain grounded in this: Forests and trees remain a uniquely bipartisan priority — and essential infrastructure for climate resilience, public health and community well-being. Read more in our most recent Washington Outlook: https://lnkd.in/eJJusmDW

American Forests, with partners Speak for the Trees Boston and PowerCorpsBOS of the City of Boston with support from Michelle Wu is expanding green jobs and Tree Equity in Boston with a new $1.5M awad from Liberty Mutual Insurance. Through the Boston Green Jobs Solutions Map, this collaborative initiative connects the local workforce to green jobs while strengthening urban forestry and climate resilience efforts. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/e67366Nj