American Forest Foundation Blog

Urban tree identification volunteer day at Paul Middle School

The morning of September 15^th was filled with tree measurements and identifications, gardening, and painting water proofing paint on the beautiful mural that was created by Michelle Goosby and Paul Middle School Students.  Keep reading to hear more about our day of volunteering and learning.

Pests, Begone! Invasive Species Threaten Family Forests

Invasive species present a major threat to America’s family forests. Nonnative insects and plants that migrate to non-indigenous forests can wreak havoc.  More than 27 million acres of state, county and private forests are at risk in the United States. The Continental Dialogue on Non-Native Forest Insects and Diseases is a collaborative effort among hundreds of member organizations and concerned individuals to abate the threat of non-native pests and pathogens in North America.

Wood is Good: How We’re Fighting for Green Building Materials

These days, who doesn’t want to build green? Wood, especially wood from American Tree Farm System certified forests, is one of the greenest building materials out there.

Unfortunately, a new U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) rating system still leaves this green building material high and dry—proposed changes continue to discriminate against wood products compared to other materials. 

Nominate a School for a Chance to Win a Green Makeover

In the United States, we spend more on school energy bills than we do for textbooks and computers combined. Sadly, countless children attend school in classrooms with no daylight and stuffy, moldy air made worse by toxic cleaning supplies. 

Global Green USA, an environmental non-profit organization, is hosting a Green School Makeover Competition with a $65,000 cash prize, plus approximately $65,000 of in-kind technical assistance, to help one winning school go green.

It's Friday: Here's Your Week in Trees

In celebration of the International Year of Forests, urban forestry, and health through recreation, here's your week in trees.