American Forest Foundation Blog

Learn about Managing Your Woodlands for Wildlife

Certified Tree Farmers and other family forest owners know that their woodlands need a lot of care and maintenance to produce a high-quality forest.

We Need your Help to Free the Trees

Do you ever wonder what our nation’s forests are going to look like when your grandchildren or your great-grandchildren inherit them? 

American Forest Foundation's

Four Must-Dos for Family Forests

The interim results from the 2011 USFS National Woodland Owner Survey should give everyone who cares about the benefits that come from forests—clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, wood products,  and good paying rural jobs—cause for concern.

Five Tips to Celebrate Earth Day, Every Day

In honor of Earth Day 2013, I’ve compiled a list of five tips we can all do to protect America's forests.

2013 Outstanding Tree Farm Inspectors are Actively Engaged in Forestry Community

We are proud to recognize the 2013 Regional Outstanding Inspectors of the Year! These four outstanding Inspectors were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to the American Tree Farm System, a program of AFF. The Regional and National Outstanding Inspector of the Year awards are generously sponsored by our partners at STIHL.

Tools for Landowners Threatened by Forest Pests

The Maryland DNR Forest Service works tirelessly to ensure private landowners have the tools and information they need to tackle threats like the EAB head on. Beyond the identification and reporting information we provide for the general public, landowners can also receive technical assistance and advice for management options moving forward.

Baseball and the Threat of Emerald Ash Borer

It's baseball season again, and can't wait to see my Orioles in action. Did you know that most wooden baseball bats are made from ash trees? Unfortuntely for my fellow baseball fans, there's something nefarious lurking in America's trees and devastating our primary source of bat wood: the emerald ash borer.

How Maryland's State Forester Found His Forestry Calling

Shortly after graduating from forestry school, I joined the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and have been working for the agency for 29 years. Today, I have the pleasure of serving as Maryland’s State Forester. I serve on the American Forest Foundation’s Board of Trustees, among other things, and am a huge supporter of the American Tree Farm System® and Project Learning Tree® programs.

Family Ground and Pickled Forests

What has always excited me about my work here at the American Forest Foundation is the privilege of meeting woodland owners and hearing stories of their family ground. That legacy – so often carried from generation to generation – is what inspires all of us here at AFF to work on behalf of those who are the caretakers of America’s private forests.

How to Inspire Americans to Give

When I first contemplated the topic of what inspires Americans to donate to a cause, my initial thoughts were that people gave to nonprofit charities based upon their emotions. According to research conducted on this topic, emotions don’t play as much of a factor as we think.

Why Family Forest Owners Should be Concerned about Sequestration

Tick, tock. Congress’ sequestration deadline is 11:59 tonight. With so much disagreement, there’s a lot of uncertainty as to whether lawmakers will be able to come to an agreement on how to cut spending by the mandated $85 billion for this fiscal year. Read about how this will affect America's family forests.

Foresters: How to Create a Public Profile on My Land Plan

Foresters, want an easy way to promote yourself online? You don’t have to build and maintain an elaborate website. Let us handle the coding and the server costs.  My Land Plan’s forester profiles tell landowners about the work you do in a professional and easy-to-update format. 

For the Love of Our Woods

Happy Valentine’s Day, forest lovers! 

A Look Back: ACES and Ecosystem Markets Conference 2012

ACES and Ecosystem Markets 2012 was held in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This was the first year that three signature events--A Community on Ecosystem Services (ACES), the Ecosystem Markets Conference, and the Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP)--joined together to host more than 500 people from 21 countries and five Indian Nations.

The Fiscal Cliff for Family Forest Owners

There’s certainly a lot of rhetoric flying around Washington about impending tax increases if Congress doesn’t act by the end of the year. All Americans need to know that the estate tax is not just about the 1%. It’s a forest conservation issue that could impact millions of acres of forestland if Congress doesn’t act.

To Reduce Risk of Wildfire, Family Forest Owners Need More Resources

The 2012 wildfire season could soon be one of the worst on record. Family forest owners need all the conservation tools they can get, and yet resources for private forest owners have diminished steadily over the last decade. That's one reason why AFF launched MyLandPlan.org.

Support AFF through Combined Federal Campaign and State Employee Giving Programs

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and State Employee Giving Programs support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human services throughout the world, including AFF. To suppoer AFF, check off #12049 - under Conservation and Preservation Charities. Thanks!

PLT GreenSchools! Rings in the New School Year with Expanded Grants Program, Revamped Website

Here at PLT GreenSchools!, our summer has been a busy one! We’ve used the time to make the GreenSchools! program even better for students and teachers. We’re beginning the 2012-13 school year with some exciting developments.

Tree Farmer and Rolling Stones’ Keyboardist Celebrates USDA Anniversary

Chuck Leavell is an American Tree Farm System Certified Tree Farmer, keyboardist with the Rolling Stones, and co-founder of Mother Nature Network. Chuck helped celebrate the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and shared his thoughts on conservation, working forests, and USDA leadership.

Energy, Recycling, and Gardening Projects Green a Kansas City High School

High school science teacher Michael Hotz has “been doing green things for years and years and years.” Ever since his school, Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS, became a PLT GreenSchool!, his students have accomplished much more.

Why Woodland Owners Need the USDA Farm Bill

Last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, more commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, with a bipartisan 16-5 vote.  After months of working with staff to make sure the Farm Bill works for forest owners, the American Forest Foundation is excited to see the committee take a big step forward.

Ten PLT GreenSchools! Named Green Ribbon Schools

Today, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the winners of the inaugural Green Ribbon Schools competition and we're thrilled that ten PLT GreenSchools! are among those recognized as the “best of the best.”

PLT’s 2012 National Outstanding Educators Recognized for Improving Student Learning and Stewardship

Five educators who use environmental education as a tool to teach core subjects and foster environmental stewardship were named the 2012 National Outstanding Educators by Project Learning Tree®.

Leap Year: Cool Things to Do on This Extra Day

Happy leaping February 29!

It's pretty cool that today—a leap day—gives us some extra time to accomplish our goals this year. AFF has some ideas for activities that you can use your leap day time for.

Conservation Creates Jobs in America’s Forests

The 2012 Farm Bill reauthorization process has begun! Today, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a Farm Bill conservation hearing, which focused on strengthening conservation in the 2012 Farm Bill.

Jobs Picture in America’s Woodlands: Serious Implications for Forest Health

What does the closing of 1,009 sawmills and the loss of 294,000 full-time jobs mean for the future of the forest products industry? the decline of the forest sector has serious implications for forest health and the future of America’s forests.

Tree Farmer Chuck Leavell Receives Lifetime Achievement Grammy Nod

Tree Farmer and musician Chuck Leavell was included in the 2012 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards! Beyond his recognition as a talented and respected musician, Leavell is hugely involved with tree farming, wildlife, and forest management.  In 1999, Chuck and his wife Rose Lane were selected as the National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, sponsored by STIHL, and their incredible conservation work on Georgia's Charlane Plantation continues to this day.

Project Learning Tree Supports "Learning by Doing" with 26 GreenWorks! Grants

AFF recently awarded more than $24,000 in Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! grants to schools and youth organizations in 19 states to help students complete environmental action projects.

Celebrate and Help Protect America’s Forests

The holidays are a time when I can help out those who are less fortunate and support my community, in order to celebrate one another. When you are making your year-end donations this year, please consider a gift to the American Forest Foundation.

What’s Next for the Farm Bill and Forest Conservation?

The Congressional "supercommittee" was unable to reach an agreement on an alternative to the sequestration as the co-chairs announced. While this unfortunate circumstance will initiate automatic cuts in scores of federal programs, it also leaves more uncertainty in its wake.

Discover the Forest with Cheecker

Greetings! Cheecker here, writing you from the forest—my favorite place in the world.  I’m here with some great tips on how to get you and your family back into nature this fall.

Big Win for Environmental Education and Project Learning Tree

Environmental Education was handed a “big win” yesterday when the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee reported the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) out of committee with a bi-partisan vote of 15-7.

USDA: Wood is the Greenest of Green Building Materials

A new Forest Service study confirms wood is the greenest of green building materials, particularly wood that is certified as sustainable by credible forest certification systems.

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.

My Most Memorable Moments: 2011 Tree Farmer Convention

I am grateful that the Albuquerque airport has free Wi-Fi—I couldn’t wait until I was home to upload and share photos from my first National Tree Farmer Convention. Here are links to my most memorable moments from last week’s event in New Mexico.

Forest to Faucet

Did you know the water from your faucet could be naturally filtered by a forest, instead of by a water treatment plant? Forest to Faucet is one of many student activities available in Project Learning Tree (PLT)’s new high school curriculum Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests.  This educational guide teaches students about forest health, fresh water supply, our changing climate, who owns America’s forests, and more.  

Environmental Education Gets a Boost!

Environmental education is finally getting the attention it deserves – from Members of Congress at the federal level, to State Boards of Education at the local level.

Ecosystem Markets and Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic

For conservationists, the concept of doing right by the land is supposed to be engrained in our every action, but is it so? Can we honestly say, without a doubt, that we are doing what’s best for our natural world?

Ecosystem Markets Key to Future of America's Forests

My family has owned woodlands in Wisconsin for three generations.

I spent my childhood surrounded by 200 acres of forests of maple, ash, oak and walnut trees, playing and learning in the woods.  I love it in Wisconsin.

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) is co-hosting the 4th annual Ecosystem Markets Conference here this week because we think that environmental markets are key to the future of America's forests (and Wisconsin is the home of Aldo Leopold!).

On the Front Line of Fires

I’m trying to get work done in the crunch time before our National Tree Farmer Convention and have to pause to reflect on the amazing corps of volunteers that ATFS relies on.  This is even more apparent to me in the recent days with fires burning across the country.

First in the Nation: Maryland Requires Students to be Environmentally Literate

On Tuesday, Maryland became the first state in the nation to require students be environmentally literate in order to graduate from high school. 

“I am thrilled about the environmental literacy requirement for students to be able to graduate in Maryland,” said Dr. Sarah Haines, Director of the Center for Science & Mathematics Education in the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University, and Maryland Project Learning Tree State Coordinator. 

Hundreds of Groups Urge Natural Resource Investment

It’s usually next to impossible to get folks in Washington to agree on anything.  And yet, when it comes to protecting our natural resources, you can bet that there is little to argue about.  On June 21, the American Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, the Land Trust Alliance and more than 350 other organizations released a letter to the Obama Administration and Congress  to protect conservation programs in the federal budget. 

2011 Outstanding Educators: Honoring Excellence Deep in the Heart of Texas

Since 1994, Project Learning Tree has formally recognized the efforts of outstanding educators for their commitment to environmental education, their exemplary use of PLT, and their exceptional teaching skills.

On June 7, the second day of the Project Learning Tree conference in Montgomery, Texas, our coordinators gathered for the 2011 National Outstanding Educator awards presentation.  Check out some photos on www.facebook.com/projectlearningtree.

AFF’s effort to help more land owners care for their forests

Last week I trekked South with AFF's Southern Forest Conservation Director, Paul Trianosky, to southeast Mississippi to test the waters for the Foundation’s latest pilot project.

Conservation, Industry Groups Applaud USDA for Green Building Leadership

Wood products are good for jobs, particularly in rural economies, and strong markets for wood products help keep working forests as forests. Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently developed a new green building strategy to promote wood products as an environmentally preferable building material. AFF, along with 40 conservation, landowner and industry partners, want to thank USDA for its continuing leadership on this issue by becoming a cheerleader for wood products.

Ecosystem Services: Trees are the Answer

By investing in ecosystem services, municipalities can cut their budgets for pollution remediation technologies and clean-up tremendously.

From Kate Middleton to the Secretary of Defense, It's All About Trees

Six English field maples and two hornbeams were placed inside Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding ceremony.

PLT GreenSchools!: 808 Green Ribbon Award Contenders

Project Learning Tree's Kathy McGlauflin spent the morning outdoors at the Department of Education headquarters in D.C. and was present during the announcement of the Green Ribbon schools program.

Sec. Vilsack Boosts Support for Local Programs that Get Youth Outside

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday $1 million in funding to connect youth to the great outdoors, by way of Children's Forest programs and More Kids in the Woods projects.

USDA Green Building Initiative Announced at International Year of Forests Celebration

At the U.S. celebration of the U.N.'s 2011 International Year of Forests, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the USDA's new strategy to promote the use of wood as a green building material.

Good News for Tree Farmers

We had a terrific meeting with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White, their National Forester Bruce Wight, and the Director of Ecological Services Terrell Erickson on Tuesday, March 22.  The purpose of the meeting was to sign a memorandum of understanding between NRCS and the American Forest Foundation with two key elements.

Congressional Pressure Mounts on Green Building Wood Issue

Concerned Senators are leading a bipartisan effort, urging agencies to promote sustainable, American grown wood in their green building policies.  In particular, current USDA Forest Service policies mandate the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for building construction, despite the fact that it discourages the use of wood products.

PLT Announces 2011 Outstanding Educators

Five individuals who use environmental education to spur students’ enthusiasm to learn were named the 2011 National Outstanding Educators by AFF’s Project Learning Tree (PLT) program.

South Carolina Tree Farmers Lobby State Legislators

In celebration of the 65^th anniversary of the state Tree Farm Program, the South Carolina Tree Farm Committee held on March 2 its first Legislative Day at the State House.

Project Learning Tree Announces 2011 Outstanding Educators

Five individuals who use environmental education to spur students’ enthusiasm to learn were named the 2011 National Outstanding Educators by AFF’s Project Learning Tree (PLT) program.

To Help Protect Forests, Take Action With Your Local Tree Farmer

Colorado has experienced multiple severe threats to the health of its forests over the past decade. Years of extreme drought resulted in some of the most damaging wildfires on record. At the same time, some four million acres  of Lodgepole Pine were being devastated by the mountain pine beetle and our Ponderosa pine forests are now under attack.

Congressional Champs Meet with AFF Trustees

Hearing directly from our congressional champions underscored the important work ahead for the American Forest Foundation at the Board of Trustees meeting held in Washington, D.C. on March 1.

Georgia’s Private Forests Provide Services Worth $37 Billion Per Year

Georgia’s private forests provide people with services worth more than $37.6 billion per year, according to a new report made public today in Atlanta. “Quantifying the Value of Non-Timber Ecosystem Services from Georgia’s Private Forests”, supported in part by AFF, was presented to Gov. Nathan Deal at the Georgia State Capitol.

President’s Better Buildings Initiative: Good for Wood?

On a visit to Penn State this week, President Obama outlined his Better Buildings Initiative, a plan to increase energy efficiency in businesses-setting his sights high with a goal of making commercial buildings 20 percent more energy efficient over the next decade.

PLT GreenSchool Receives USDA Healthier Schools Gold Award

Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking part in a ceremony to recognize the students and staff at Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School – one of Project Learning Tree’s model GreenSchools! in Washington, DC – for their efforts to create a healthier school environment through proper nutrition and physical activity.

State Forest Assessments: Climate Change Threatens Our Forests

The 2008 Farm Bill called on each state to complete a Statewide Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy by June 2010. Those assessments have now been published, and climate change is mentioned as a serious threat to forest health in all regions of the country.

Congress Acts In the Nick of Time

The estate tax has been a hot topic in Congress, becoming the main focus of debate over the past two weeks as Congress considered an extension of the Bush tax cuts.  We are happy to say that the debate has been put to rest (for now).

Family Woodlands and the Estate Tax

With all the deal-making that has gone on with the extension of the Bush tax cuts, you might be surprised that the estate tax has become the lightening rod for those who oppose the tax cut package.

Progress Toward Fixing the Estate Tax?

AFF continues to call on Congress to fix the estate tax for America’s family forests.

America’s Forests Play Critical Role in Climate Change Fight

According to new data released by USDA, America’s forests play an important role in the fight against climate change. And private forests are particularly vital to reducing the carbon pollution that causes climate change.

New National Analysis of Forestry Programs in Farm Bill Released

Congress has done little this year to help address issues facing family forest owners. They failed to pass climate legislation that could create new market opportunities and other incentives for forest owners to sequester carbon and they have yet to address the estate tax, which is one of the biggest threats to America’s family forests. Gridlock and partisan battling have been the norm and solutions-focused legislation a rarity.

The Benefits of Private Forests

Secretary Tom Vilsack released the USDA report, Private Forests, Public Benefits, that brings attention to the additional stress that our privately owned forests are facing from development, fragmentation and increased housing density. This is important to know since 56 percent of America’s forestland is privately owned by individuals and families.

Family Forests Vital to Longleaf Pine Restoration

In April, President Obama established the Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation and recreation agenda “worthy of the 21st Century and to reconnect people to the great outdoors.”

Using Market Forces to Protect Nature’s Benefits

Using market forces to protect and restore America’s air, water and land was the theme of the 3rd Annual Conference on Ecosystem Markets, sponsored by the American Forest Foundation and World Resources Institute.

Tom Vilsack: Unlikely Partnership for Our Clean Energy Future

In an opinion article published today in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, says the tremendous economic and environmental costs of the Gulf oil spill make more apparent than ever the need to make the president’s vision for a 21st century clean energy economy a reality.  “America can no longer rely on energy sources that are growing increasingly difficult to find and utilize,” he writes. 

Keeping Forests, Forests: Insights from Missouri

Getting out of Washington, D.C. to hear first-hand about the challenges and opportunities facing America’s private forest landowners is one of the best parts of my job.

Harris Sherman: America’s Forests are Vital

Tom Martin, President and CEO of AFF, joined Secretary of USDA, Tom Vilsack, Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Harris Sherman, and Assistant Undersecretary Ann Wright at the National Summit of Rural America, held in Hillsboro, Missouri.

Honoring the Outstanding Educators Who Make PLT Come Alive

Last Tuesday, at Project Learning Tree’s 24th International Coordinators’ Conference in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, I had the great honor to recognize and award outstanding educators who make PLT come alive.

Alabama Forest Stewardship Meets AFF Standards

ATFS announced today that the program formally recognizes Alabama’s Forest Stewardship plans as meeting management planning requirements for family forest landowners.

AFF Leading Efforts for Forest-Climate Coalition

Today, the Forest Climate Working Group, a diverse coalition of forestry, conservation, industry, and carbon finance organizations let by AFF and the Trust for Public Land (TPL), weighed in with Senate leadership calling for a strong role for U.S. forests and harvested wood products in climate legislation.

Forest Cover is Declining in Every New England State

The new report released today by Harvard Forest and the Smithsonian Institute, Wildlands and Woodlands should be a wake up call to all of us that we need to work even more diligently to protect and enhance America’s woodlands.

Senator Blanche Lincoln Tells Our Story

Senator Blanche Lincoln, Chairwoman of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry shared her thoughts on meeting with Tree Farmers.

Climate and Energy Bill: What it Means for America’s Forest Owners

Today, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) released a climate and energy bill, after months of negotiation. Climate and energy legislation has the potential to stimulate new markets for family forest owners through carbon and forest biomass markets. By putting family forests to work on climate solutions, we can create more made-in-America jobs.

Wood Products Part of New Home Retrofit Legislation

Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Stupak (D-MI) wood products language was included in an amendment that passed on the House floor as part of the legislation.   The American Forest Foundation, along with other partner groups, has been working to secure the wood products addition.

We’re Part of the Solution

While we anticipated the unveiling today of a draft outline of the bipartisan climate and energy legislation spearheaded by Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieberman, the announcement has been delayed.

Arbor Day Foundation to Honor Former AFF CEO & President

The Arbor Day Foundation will honor seventeen individuals, organizations, and corporations for their tree planting, environmental education and conservation efforts including former AFF CEO & President, Laurence Wiseman.

Follow Teddy Reynolds on his Journey

Follow Teddy Reynolds, a volunteer forester for the American Tree Farm System, on his journey to Africa.

Earth Day Breakfast to Help Benefit AFF

Come out support the AFF at our Earth Day Breakfast at the Mansion on O Street this Thursday April 22nd.

Forests are Part of a Healthy Outdoor Strategy!

It was inspiring, encouraging, and yet perhaps a bit frustrating to attend the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors today.

Obama: Forest Conservation is Good for the Economy

President Obama spoke at the America’s Great Outdoors conference and emphasized the importance of private working lands, and the vital role of partnerships between government and private landowners.

Protecting Land for the Next Generation

At the White House Outdoors Conference, Bill Cronon, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison spoke eloquently about the “core American thread” -- sustaining our private and public lands to pass on to future generations.

White House Conference on Great Outdoors

Tom Martin, President and CEO and Kathy McGlauflin, Sr VP for Education are guests today at the White House Conference on the Outdoors

Women and the environment: A winning combination

AFF introduced it’s newly formed The Women’s Group last week at a luncheon in Pittsburgh. Eleven women from the Mid-Atlantic region who are involved with environmental conservation were inaugurated into this group. It was an event that succeeded in bringing together women from a variety of professions and backgrounds but who have some things in common.

PLT’s National Outstanding Educators Make a Difference

Project Learning Tree’s 2010 National Outstanding Educators encompass teaching excellence through their use of environmental education techniques designed by PLT.

New study finds controlled burns may help reduce U.S. carbon footprint

National Center for Atmospheric Research scientists report that controlled burns (prescribed fire is another term) used in forest management to reduce the underbrush and protect bigger trees, release substantially less carbon dioxide emissions than widlfires of the same size.

Tree Farm certification will become more popular in Tennesee and Alabama

Everyday more and more landowners are deciding to seek certification for their Tree Farms. This growing trend toward Tree Farm certification is on the rise with the increasing demand from consumers for products like wood and paper that are produced in a sustainable manner from trees.

Family-owned forests can help fuel America’s renewable energy

A recent Washington Post article entitled “The unintended ripples from the biomass subsidy program”, raised valid points concerning the issues facing the renewable energy and forest products industry.

What Is Market-Based Conservation?

Market-based conservation is exactly what it sounds like: conservation of natural areas supported by market mechanisms. This means providing woodland owners with an economic incentive to conserve their woodlands for clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitat. Because we haven’t historically put an economic value on ecosystem services, they are traditionally undervalued.    

Chuck Leavell Knows a Thing or Two About Carbon

“Laws must incentivize carbon-cutting forest management practices,” says Chuck Leavell, Rolling Stones keyboard player, Georgia Tree Farmer, and AFF board member in a CNN.com opinion editorial.

Climate Change: What Have Forests Got to Do with It?

“Much of the focus at this week’s climate summit in Copenhagen will be on capping the emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Punxsutawney Phil Goes to Washington

Punxsutawney Phil was just beginning to snuggle down in his borrow for the cold winter when Bill Cooper, a member of Phil’s “Inner Circle” of handlers, made one final request for a good cause.  It seems the world-famous Phil was needed as a star attraction at a Washington, DC benefit for family woodland owners sponsored by the American Forest Foundation. 

AFF’s Memo of Understanding with the U.S. Forest Service

Coming soon: one-stop shopping for Tree Farmers. AFF and the U.S. Forest Service have signed a memo of understanding that recognizes each other’s program forest management plans equally.

2008 Was a Year of Success for Family Forests and Environmental Education

Read about what the American Forest Foundation accomplished on your behalf in 2008.

Teaching Kids About Trees Through Music

“I love to engage kids in learning about the environment through music,” says children’s performing artist and songwriter Billy B. Brennan.  Billy B. has teamed with Project Learning Tree® (PLT) to produce a new CD — all about trees.

Eastman Chemical Company in Texas Recognized

The Eastman Chemical Company in East Texas, a Certified Tree Farm under the American Tree Farm System, was  recently selected as a “Certified Forest Steward.”

There’s a new museum on the horizon

Today, I was reading the March 2009 issue of The Forestry Source, okay so I’m a little behind in my reading. Anyway I read that my association, the Society of American Foresters (SAF), is an instrumental player in the creation of the National Museum of Forest Service History in Missoula, Montana. What a novel concept, a place where visitors can learn about the history of the USDA Forest Service in one of the most beautiful areas of the country - Montana, at least I think so.

Fun with a purpose

During Project Learning Tree’s annual conference, five educators were named 2009 National Outstanding Environmental Educators.  These awards are widely recognized as a top honor by environmental educators who teach both in schools and via informal nature programs.  The awards were presented on May 5 in recognition of National Teacher Day.

Project Learning Tree’s GreenSchools! Program Takes Root

Project Learning Tree (PLT), the environmental education program of the American Forest Foundation, is progressing rapidly on the development and implementation of its GreenSchools! program.  In 2009, a pilot group of schools have been selected to trial a national GreenSchools! initiative.  Students and teachers at 38 schools in ten states will receive training in environmental education and Project Learning Tree.  Students will investigate environmental issues at their school and come up with an action plan to create a green and heathy learning environment. Based on their investigations, students will work with their community in service-learning projects to create a model GreenSchool.

Tune in to New Radio Series on Forests April 9th: PLT Partners with EarthSky

Project Learning Tree and its parent group, the American Forest Foundation, are partnering with EarthSky to produce absorbing radio spots and podcasts about our nation’s forests, and what forest landowners are doing to manage their lands. 

Tom Martin Named President & CEO of AFF

Washington, D.C. –Tom Martin will succeed Larry Wiseman as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Forest Foundation.

OSU grant to help family foresters keep timberland in family

America’s family forest owners are an aging group, with one third over 65 years old and one fourth over 75. After a lifetime of forest stewardship, they are asking who will continue the forest when they’re gone–or who will develop it.

State Conservationist for Forest Stewardship Awards Announced

State Conservationist for Forest Stewardship Awards for 2008 were awarded by the American Forest Foundation to four Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employees and their staffs in Alabama, Missouri, Washington and the Eastern Region of NRCS.