American Forest Foundation Blog

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.

Threatened Forests: Woolly Adelgids Attacking Hemlocks

A silent killer is blazing a trail through the Appalachians, leaving countless dead hemlocks in its wake. The assassin is a tiny invasive insect from Japan, the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). The Alliance for Saving Threatened Forests (ASTF) aims to develop trees resistant to adelgids and offers a future for hemlocks in natural settings and the nursery/landscape industry.

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. Chuck and his wife Rose Lane were selected as the STIHL National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year in 1999, and their incredible conservation work on Charlane Plantation continues to this day.

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

Every Friday, we post links to tree news from around the world. This week, an exciting spider monkey discovery was announced, an invasive pest attacked Texas' citrus trees, and Canada and India released news about the state of their forests. Here's this week's edition of Your Week in Trees.

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.

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

We explore laurel wilt, the apes of Jakarta, giant ecological kings of the jungle, and caterpillar survival strategy in this Week in Trees.

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

This week, we said goodbye to Florida's 3,500-year-old bald cypress, The Senator. Here's the story and other tree news from around the world this week.

PLT GreenSchools! Gardens Thrive with Help from Chef’s Green Thumb

Former chef Mark Haskell, a certified Master Gardener, has perfected a school garden recipe that has as its main ingredients the PLT GreenSchools! investigations, his own green thumb and passion for home-grown food, and the excitement of city-raised students who for the first time are learning the connections between gardening and the food they eat.

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

Looking forward to enjoying the holiday weekend? Me too. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy. Join a local tree planting and other service events at mlkday.gov.  In the meantime, here’s your tree news from around the world this week.

New Year Offers New GreenSchools! Learning Opportunities

The PLT GreenSchools! program team is looking ahead to an exciting new year for GreenSchools!

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

From the downfall of maple syrup to Yellowstone's gray wolves, here's some tree news from around the world this week.

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

Frankincense, tree vandalism, and the hydrolic cycle: Here are your tree-related happenings from around the world this week.

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

From to the world's first vertical forest, to the grinch who stole...half of a blue spruce, here's your tree news from around the world this week.

Put Wood in a Green Building? Two Champions Say So.

While green building should offer market opportunities for family-owned forests, many green building policies at the federal, state, and local level discriminate against the use of wood in green buildings in favor of other materials.

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

Smokey Bear, bark beetles, Christmas tree tips, and nature photography round out this week in tree news.

Congress Wants to Get Rid of Smokey Bear

Congress wants to eliminate funding for the U.S. Forest Service’s conservation education program, which could mean we say farewell to Smokey Bear.

What's Up With The Farm Bill?

For the past few months AFF ramped up its 2012 Farm Bill effort to influence the Agriculture Committees’ proposal to the Super Committee. In light of the Super Committee’s failure, the Agriculture Committees’ proposal was never released, but from what we’ve heard, there was both good news and bad news.

PLT GreenSchools! in Connecticut: Young Naturalists Inspire Hope

As an urban forester—or a “forest-her,” as my mother would say—I have made a commitment to protect the health of the forests in which we live, work and play. But I have also made a commitment to the educational development of our youth, who will be protecting our forests after me.

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.

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

In honor of Veterans Day weekend, entrance fees have been waived at all national parks and forests this weekend.  Get outside this weekend - and be sure to thank a service member today. Here's your daily dose of tree news from the around the world this week.

PLT GreenSchools! Gives My Students Leadership Opportunities—And a Voice

All the projects our Green Rivers club has undertaken have grown from a Project Learning Tree GreenSchools! training that I, two science teachers, and two of our seventh-graders attended back in the fall of 2009.

Five GreenSchools! Students Take on a Roomful of Science Teachers

Recently five middle school students from Two Rivers Magnet Middle School in Connecticut had the opportunity to present at a National Science Teachers Association conference in Hartford about what their green team does and what they have accomplished.

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

This week, discover the forest with Cheecker the spokes-squirrel, drool over real maple syrup, and cheer on NYC Marathoners as they run through Central Park, which lost 1,000 trees in last weekend's storm.

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.

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

Tree news from around the world this week includes motorcycles, fungus, and America's supernatural places. Have a safe and spooktacular Halloween weekend!

Wanna Sweeten Your Forest's Taste Buzzz?

How can forest owners help save the honey bee? Susan Benedict, a Tree Farmer from State College, Pennsylvania, used to think the very same thing! "Incorporating pollinator habitat into closed forest ecosystems is just not something forest managers usually do," says Susan.  However, Susan used the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) as a helpful tool to expand her thinking...

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.

PLT GreenSchools! Plays on the National Stage at NAAEE Conference

The PLT GreenSchools! program was a hot topic at the 40^th annual conference of the North American Alliance for Environmental Education (NAAEE). I joined more than 1,000 teachers, administrators, government agencies and nonprofit organizations involved in K-12 environmental education programs across the U.S. PLT and the GreenSchools! program were well represented throughout this year's conference.

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

Drunk parrots, masterpieces created by trees, the world's top 10 deadliest plants, and the key to boosting property value: here's your tree news for the week of October 10, 2011.

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

A breakthrough in pine tree breeding will lead to forests better adapted to climate change and bioenergy use; International Year of the Forests photographer Josh Birnbaum traveled to the site of the Coal Canyon Fire in South Dakota; New to the world of Tree Farming? Welcome to the woods. Here's tree news from around the world this week.

We're tickled "Green!"

The U.S. Department of Education released their final plans for the new Green Ribbon Schools awards program last week.  Through this program, the Department is seeking to recognize schools that save energy, reduce costs, and feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, as well as protect health, foster wellness and impart effective environmental education.  

Guest Post: Conservation Easements a Good Investment for the South

With forests being converted at a rapid pace in the South, conservation easements are one of the most promising approaches to conserve and sustainably manage them. A new American Forest Foundation and World Resources Institute aims to increase the use of conservation easements in the South by helping landowners, conservation professionals, and conservation funders understand the unique benefits that conservation easements provide, key barriers to their implementation, and how to best address those barriers.

Welcome to the Woods: 10 Tips for New Family Forest Owners

New to the world of Tree Farming? Nationally recognized family forest owners provide input on what they believe to be the top 10 tips new Tree Farmers should consider. Thanks to Tree Farmers Putnam Blodgett, Bob and Jean Cooper, Des and Marilyn Jones, and Doug Stinson for their input.

Farm Bill: The Numbers You Need to Know

The 2008 Farm Bill included significant improvements for forest owners, supporting more forest conservation and agroforestry practices and activities across the country. In the 2012 Farm Bill, we hope to build on the success of the 2008 Farm bill and make further improvements, while respecting the budget situation. Here are some hard facts that stress the importance of Farm Bill programs...

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

The passing of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Wangari Maathai takes the lead in tree news of the week. This Kenyan leader’s legacy of environmental restoration and economic development will live on.

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.

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.

Congressional Rep. Joins Tree Farm Field Day!

This year’s Washington State Tree Farmers of the Year enjoyed a wildly successful Field Day, celebrating their noteworthy and well-deserved recognition! Ninety-two state Tree Farmers were joined by Representative Jamie Herrara-Beutler on July 16^th, for a day of fun, camaraderie, education, and an old-fashioned stump speech.

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

Hurricane Irene threats, newly single Derek Jeter, bicycle-eating plants: Here's your roundup of trees in the news for the week of August 22, 2011.

GreenSchools! Team Volunteers at McKinley Technology High School



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.

A South Carolinian Teacher Goes to Washington, Talks GreenSchools!

“I’m just a bill, yeah, I’m only a bill, and I’m sittin’ here on Capitol Hill…” the old Schoolhouse Rock song was plunking its way through my brain as I walked up to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.  I was joined in the nation's capital by other educators to share the successes of Project Learning Tree’s GreenSchools! with our political leaders.

Summer Break? Not for these PLT Educators!

On July 26^th and 27^th, PLT coordinators from several states met with our Representatives and Senators in Washington DC to report program successes, share best practices and above all, promote the importance of natural resources education inside AND outside the classroom.

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.  

Ohio Tree Farmers on Capitol Hill

July 20^th started typically early for Walt and Donna Lange—except with meetings on Capitol Hill in place of the usual planting and weed pulling.  The Langes, who own 32 Ohio acres that help protect the watershed for Lake Erie, came to Washington to represent fellow Tree Farmers.

Students Transform Washington, D.C. Community with Eco-Mural

The immense wall at the intersection of 8^th Street and Peabody Street Northwest used to be a huge, rusty cement eye sore of the Brightwood community in Washington, D.C. However, sixth grade students at Paul Public Charter School--a Project Learning Tree GreenSchool--had other plans for that space.

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

Sweet gum, whitebark pine and lemon trees make an appearance this week.

EPA Summer Program Students Learn Outside with Project Learning Tree

On July 18^th, Project Learning Tree (PLT) and the Environmental Protection Agency engaged 18 rising eighth graders in learning the science of biodiversity.  PLT activities consumed two and a half hours of the morning, taking us on a global discussion that included simulating artificial selection, trekking outside on a schoolyard safari, and embarking on a self-guided tour of the water cycle.  It was quite a way to start the week.

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

Mysterious purple boxes, Nelson Mandela's birthday, building green with wood: here's your week in trees.

Day 5: Oil City Students Reflect on Colorado, Head Back Home

Day 5 is 7th grade guest blogger Elizabeth's final day in Colorado with her school.  You can check out photos from Oil City Elementary School's Rocky Mountain adventure at www.facebook.com/projectlearningtree. 

Day 4: Whitewater Rafting and The Beast

On our fourth day at Cal-Wood Education Center, we woke up early because we had a great day planned: whitewater rafting!

Day 3: Snowballs and Poetry in Rocky Mountain National Park

It's our third day at Colorado's Cal-Wood Education Center. Today we went to the Rocky Mountain National Park, shared poetry around Bear Lake, and had a snowball fight in Estes Park.

Day 2: Hiking to a Mica Mine

Today was my second day at Cal-Wood. I had an awesome day today! We did so many things, I’m not sure if I have enough room to type it all! We woke up early in the morning, ready for a new adventure. I was excited to see our guides and the forest again.

Out of the Dust (or Snow)

There is a large white pine, just behind Aldo Leopold's family’s shack, which was planted in 1936 by Nina and her siblings. Today, the tree is massive—it towers above the shack, like a pillar of faith. The Leopolds weren’t crazy. The land can heal. And forests can return the favor of restoration by providing many public benefits such as clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitat.

Day 1: My Adventure in the Rockies

Students from Louisiana's Oil City Elementary School spent a week at Cal-Wood Education Center in the Rocky Mountains. The students from Oil City, a Project Learning Tree (PLT) GreenSchool, raised money to fund their trip. Guest blogger Elizabeth is a 7th grader at the school and her teacher, Cindy Kilpatrick, is a 2011 PLT National Outstanding Educator. 

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.

Ecosystem Services in Aldo Leopold’s Landscape

Wednesday kicks off the Ecosystem Markets Conference in Madison, Wisconsin.  The annual conference is hosted by AFF and World Resources Institute.  Brent M. Haglund, president of Sand County Foundation, discusses the important role that ecosystem markets play in private landowner conservation efforts.

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 Forests in the Farm Bill Progress Report Shows On-the-Ground Success

The 2008 Farm Bill gave unprecedented access to U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs to family forest owners and Tree Farmers.  To find out how the programs have been working on the ground, check out AFF's  A Forests in the Farm Bill Progress Report: 2011 Updated Edition , released this week.

New Rule Will Help U.S. Stop Invasives

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has the authority to stop the importation of suspicious plants, but the current rules draw the process out for months and allow potentially harmful plants to continue to enter the country until a final decision is reached.

Deep in the Heart of Texas: A Look at PLT’s 25th Coordinators’ Conference

Last week, 120 environmental educators from the United States, Japan, and Mexico gathered together in Montgomery, Texas.  The participants convened on Lake Conroe for Project Learning Tree (PLT)’s 25^th International Coordinators’ Conference.  This annual event serves as a platform to provide ongoing professional development for state and international PLT leaders, launch new PLT initiatives, share models of success, and celebrate our accomplishments.

USDA Finds Agroforestry as a Real Solution

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan recently announced a plan to promote agroforestry to farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners to enhance their productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship.

Spring Creek Greenway Reconnects Houston to Nature

On June 8, Project Learning Tree state and international coordinators headed out on a field trip to Spring Creek Greenway.  Together we narrowly avoided poison ivy on the newer trails, saw wildlife like a wading yellow-crowned night heron, learned about riverside forests in Texas, and gasped when we heard we were just two miles north of Houston's Intercontinental Airport.

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.

Southwest Wisconsin Tree Farmers, John and Sally Ouellette, Host Field Day

The iconic Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin is famous for its rugged landscape of rivers, farms, and hardwood forests. Deep within the heart of this region lies the Dayton Ridge Tree Farm of John and Sally Ouellette, recognized as this year’s Outstanding Tree Farmers in Wisconsin.

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.

Personal Statement to Congress Boosts Tree Farmer Voice in the 2012 Farm Bill

On May 31^st, Karen Serfass testified before Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. 

Karen, a Tree Farmer from Dafter, Michigan, spoke for both the American Forest Foundation and the 95,000 Tree Farmers the foundation works with every day.

Karen reminded the Committee that most Americans don’t realize that forests provide tremendous public benefits: clean water, clean air, wood products, and wildlife habitat.

“Tree Man” Finds Meaning and Fulfillment in his Kentucky Woods

On June 3, 1796, Andrew Lang, a young merchant from Wakefield, England, purchased 19,425 acres of land in what is now Hart County, Kentucky. Over the years, some of the property passed out of Lang’s immediate family but much of the original tract is still owned by his descendents.  

On July 2, 1963, 167 years after Lang’s original purchase, the Kentucky Division of Forestry mailed a Timber Management Plan to a 16-year-old named Charlie Williams, from which sprouted a passionate, teenaged woodland steward.  Williams is Lang’s great-great-great-great grandson. 

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.

The Next Generation Steals the Show at Hill Briefing

It's always inspiring when family forest owners come to DC and give all of us a dose of the real deal. At Hill briefings for House and Senate staffers, we had Janet and Craig Olver, from Pennsylvania, and Nancy Livingston from Wisconsin, who are featured in AFF's Stem the Loss report.

Southern Forest Futures Project Portrays Growing Threats to Family Forests

The results of the new Southern Forest Futures Project, released this week, focus on potential future scenarios that can be influenced by both proactive policy and cooperative, on-the-ground action.

Ecosystem Services: Trees are the Answer

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

[Video] Don't Leave Family Forest Owners Out on a Limb

There’s no question that Congress is going to make cuts to programs in the 2012 federal budget, but will they maintain the programs that give Tree Farmers tools needed to keep their land healthy for future generations? Check out this new video.

Budget 101: McIntire-Stennis and Forestry Research Projects for Students

In the fifth and final blog post of her Budget 101 series, Christine Cadigan highlights some stellar land grant university research programs.

National Teacher Day: Here's a Story from PLT Outstanding Educator Robert Taylor

On National Teacher Day, 2011 National Project Learning Tree Outstanding Educator Robert Taylor shares his thoughts on ways to provide a balanced education--inside and outside the classroom.

Celebrating National Garden Month: All About The White House Kitchen Garden

In June 2009, the White House Kitchen Garden celebrated its first harvest—which produced more than 200 pounds of food.

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

You may have missed the story of trees in the big news of the week. 

Budget 101: NIFA Renewable Resources Extension Program

The Renewable Resources Extension Program actively supports outreach and education to forest owners, so they have the information they need to be better stewards of their land.

Budget 101: Natural Resource Conservation Service

Forests face more insect and disease threats now more than ever before and it is critical we manage our forests to prevent more devastation and loss of species. AFF's Christine Cadigan continues her Budget 101 series with a post about the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Celebrating National Garden Month: Project Produce Sparks Healthy Changes

Beth Sellers is sixth grade science teacher at Virginia's Glenvar Middle School. Thanks to the support of a GreenWorks! grant, Project Produce is well into its second full year at her school.

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.

Reflections on Earth Day: It Takes a Village

Despite the apparent skepticism from media and bloggers about whether Earth Day has outlived its usefulness, we were proud to celebrate a model PLT GreenSchool! on Earth Day.

Budget 101: Farm Bill Conservation Programs

To better highlight the various programs AFF hopes the Subcommittee will support as the FY 2012 budget process unwinds, AFF's Christine Cadigan identifys specific Farm Bill programs and their many benefits. Read Part 2 now.

Celebrating National Garden Month: GreenWorks! Students Break Ground in April

The National Gardening Association has declared April to be National Garden Month.  AFF is celebrating with school garden plantings and by blogging about planting project success stories.

Budget 101: APHIS Invasive Pest and Pathogens Funding

To better highlight the various programs AFF hopes the Subcommittee will support as the FY 2012 budget process unwinds, AFF's Christine Cadigan has written series of blog posts, identifying specific programs and their many benefits. Read Part 1 now.

Project Learning Tree Celebrates Earth Day with School Garden Planting

In celebration of Earth Day, Project Learning Tree and the U.S. Forest Service joined students of D.C.'s Barnard Elementary School to plant in 12 organic raised garden beds.

National Walk in the Woods Day is One Month Away

One Year Later: Lessons of the Gulf Oil Spill

The environmental and social effects of the Gulf oil spill will draw the attention of educators for years to come as scientists continue to learn more about the Deepwater Horizon blowout and its impacts over time.

On the one-year anniversary of this incident, use Project Learning Tree’s specially created guide that includes a wealth of online resources and information to teach your students about this event. 

Tree Farmer Mathematician: Farm Bill Benefits Really Add Up

Walt and Donna Lange own a 32 acre Tree Farm in Swanton, Ohio. Farm Bill programs have enabled the Lnages to protect their soil, enhance wildlife habitat and provide recreational opportunities for their community. With Congress beginning work on the 2012 Farm Bill, we're looking to hear your Farm Bill stories.

Butterfly Dance: Behind-the-Scenes with Chikawa Aztec Dance Group

This is the second and final post in a series by guest blogger Megan Matonis.  The U.S. Forest Service Policy Analyst shares her experience with students, some of whom were Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! grant recipients, during the filming of a PollinatorLIVE!-hosted webcast/broadcast.

Behind-the-Scenes with Students of PollinatorLIVE!

U.S. Forest Service Policy Analyst Megan Matonis shares her experience with students during the filming of a PollinatorLIVE!-hosted webcast/broadcast.

Curious about Pollinators, Plants and People? Join Wednesday's Electronic Field Trip

Curious about people and pollination? Join GreenWorks! grant recipients and others for an electronic field trip on Wednesday, April 13.

Working to Commemorate 2011 International Year of Forests

Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen together introduced S. Res. 113, a resolution aimed to acknowledge the importance of America’s woodlands. 

Last Call to Enroll your Land in Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). CRP is accepting general applications until April 15^th for those who want to enroll new land in the program. 

AFF to Congress: Maintain Funding for Forest Health, Stewardship and Education Programs

AFF President and CEO Tom Martin submitted testimony [PDF] to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, urging members to maintain funding for programs that support better stewardship of America’s 265 million family forest acres.

Green Captains in Georgia: Students Present at National Service-Learning Conference

10th grade student Madeleine shares her GreenSchools! experience at the National Youth Leadership Council's 2011 National Service-Learning Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

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.

Barnard Elementary Students show USDA Sec. Vilsack Forest Exchange Box at Year of Forests Event

The principal of Washington, D.C.’s Barnard Elementary School talks about her evening at the International Year of Forests celebration, where she and fellow students, parents and teachers presented Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack with a copy of The Giving Tree.

Virginia Students Celebrate International Year of Forests

Last month, elementary students from Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (PHSSA) in Richmond, Virginia presented a “forest exchange box” to Virginia public officials.  This special ceremony was held at their school in celebration of the United Nations-designated International Year of Forests.

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.

AFF Responds to USFS on Community Forest Program

In response to the January 6 proposed rule for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP), the American Forest Foundation (AFF) released comments in support of CFP’s educational goals for environmental curricula integration.

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.

ATFS Honors Colorado Tree Farmer Wes Rutt

We are pleased to announce that Wes Rutt has been awarded the 2010 National Field Leadership Award for having demonstrated outstanding commitment to education and outreach.

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.

As pollinator numbers decline, PLT and USFS support youth-planted gardens

A decline in the numbers and health of pollinators such as bees, birds, and butterflies poses a threat to biodiversity, global food webs and human health.

PLT’s GreenSchools! Helps Promote STEM Education in DC, Virginia

Project Learning Tree (PLT) program has helped engage millions of students in environment and STEM education.  In Virginia yesterday, I saw PLT in action when I attended a GreenSchools! program training for local teachers and students. PLT’s GreenSchools! is a program of the American Forest Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

America’s Great Outdoors: Our Nation’s Laboratory

When President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir stood atop the mountains of Yosemite and argued the merits of conservation and/or preservation, neither would have guessed that the greatest threat to the country’s natural resources would not come from external pressures but rather the internal disconnect that would occur between land and people. 

Increase in Monarch butterflies is good news for PLT students who created habitat

The number of monarch butterflies migrating from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico has increased this year, according to a study released yesterday.  This is good news for many Project Learning Tree students and their teachers who worked hard last year to create butterfly gardens in their schools and communities as part of MonarchLIVE.

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.

Forest Exchange Boxes Displayed at U.S. Mission to the United Nations

Care about Wildlife?

Threats to America’s wildlife are predominantly centered around loss of habitat.  The recent report from the U.S. Forest Service, reinforces the need to address habitat loss – specifically on private forest land. That’ s because 60 percent of America’s at-risk wildlife depend on private forests for their habitat.

2011 is International Year of Forests!

The United Nations designated 2011 as International Year of Forests to promote broader understanding of the importance of forests, and to bolster global efforts to promote sustainable forest management and conservation.

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.

Family Forest Owners Continue Fight to Participate in Green Markets

Unfortunately, the majority of the wood from certified forests in the United States is not eligible for the Wood Certification credit under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Forest Certification Benchmarks.

Progress Toward Fixing the Estate Tax?

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

The Perfect Storm

Once Congress gets back to Washington after the Thanksgiving break, there will be more focus on what to do about the “Bush tax cuts for the wealthy.”

Greening Our Schools

I recently attended and presented at the first Green Schools National Conference held in Minneapolis and it was inspirational to see the broad spectrum of green school activities that are happening nationally. Project Learning Tree GreenSchools! is a national program of the American Forest Foundation that combines environmental education, service-learning, and leadership opportunities for students to reduce the ecological footprint of their school, and turn their school into a model GreenSchool. 

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.

Policy to Educate the Next Generation of Green Citizens

Environmental education has received a good bit of attention this week in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Department of Education held its first ever Sustainability Education Summit, with the theme “Citizenship and Pathways for a Green Economy.”  What began as an event mandated by the most recent Higher Education Act, quickly became an opportunity for a wide range of partners and stakeholders to come together and talk about the future of environmental education.

NH Elementary School Credits Dramatic Increase in Science Scores to PLT

For nearly two years, New HampshireProject Learning Tree has been working closely with Nashua District’s Bicentennial Elementary School, a model “PLT GreenSchool”.  The school’s principal, Kyle Langille credits PLT in part for the school’s dramatic increase in 4th grade science scores announced today by the New Hampshire Department of Education. 

Training GreenSchools! Student Leaders

About 70 students and teachers from 10 middle and high schools from the greater Tulsa area are attending a two-day professional development training workshop in Owasso, OK learning how to conduct school-wide investigations in five areas: energy use, waste and recycling, water, school site, and environmental quality (such as indoor air quality, school transportation, and use of chemicals).  As one of the facilitators of this workshop, I’m teaching teams of middle- and high-school students, alongside their teachers – and this is what makes Project Learning Tree’s GreenSchools! program so unique.

PLT Educator Speaks Up for Environmental Education

As part of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative, the Administration held a youth-focused listening session in Orlando, Florida, on August 26. A Project Learning Tree representative attended the session to speak up about the role environmental education should play in the initiative to connect youth to the Great Outdoors.  Mark Miller, an enthusiastic PLT Facilitator from Apopka, FL shared some of his feedback from the session

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.

Permanent Estate Tax Reform Proposed

Earlier this week, I introduced a proposal along with my friend Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona to permanently reform the federal estate tax. The proposal would permanently set the estate tax rate at 35 percent, with a $5 million exemption amount phased in over 10 years and indexed for inflation.  It would also provide a “stepped up basis” for inherited assets. The proposal would be included in a package of other measures intended to provide economic relief for our small businesses.

My Longleaf Pine Restoration Story

Saloom Properties, LLC is a 1762 acre Tree Farm in the coastal plains of south Alabama—an area in the natural longleaf range. Historically the longleaf pine was the dominant species of tree at an estimated 60 million acres. This has been reduced to its existing 3.4 million acres. We have seen a resurgence of restoration of the longleaf back to its natural ecosystem. Each year more acres are being planted and managed by private family forest owners.

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. 

8th Grader Describes his Energy-saving GreenSchools! Project to Iowa Senator

Yesterday, one of Project Learning Tree’s Iowa GreenSchools! families, the Isbells, along with AFF’s Melissa Harden (far right) and James McGirt (far left), were afforded the opportunity to meet with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and his staff. The gathering, which was held to allow the Senator to connect with his constituents, had about 25 people in

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.

WNBA and PLT Help Elementary Students Plant School Garden

The Washington Mystics players worked with 30 students from PreK through 4th grade to help green their school.  Master Chef and Gardener Mark Haskell helped lead activities in which students learned the basics of planting a garden and the importance of proper nutrition.   "You have to dig the hole about 12 inches," a 2nd grader told me before planting a tomato plant.

“Watching These Kids GET IT was Really Heartwarming”

“Watching these kids get it [learning about trees with Project Learning Tree activities] was…really heartwarming.”

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

Celebrate National Environmental Education Week!

National Environmental Education Week (EE Week), the nation’s largest environmental education event held each year before Earth Day, inspires environmental learning and stewardship among K-12 students.  Now in its sixth consecutive year, EE Week connects educators with environmental resources to promote K-12 students’ understanding of the environment.

New CEO & President Tom Martin Talks About His Family Tree Farm

I am excited to become the new leader of the American Forest Foundation because it really touches what I am passionate about. I’d like to stay in touch with more of you through our new blog, with my first post focusing on family forests and future ones to focus on environmental education, policy and other issues.  I would really like to hear your ideas, comments and feedback.

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.

Climate bill needs incentives for small forest owners like me

Lost in the growing climate change debate is an understanding about what the policy options will mean for the 504,000 people like me who manage forest land in the state of Georgia.

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.

Timberland Liability: Are You At risk?

It’s a wonderful feeling to have others share in the beauty of your woodlands but don’t be caught off-guard. Protect yourself with the right type of coverage for your property. The November/December issue of Tree Farmer Magazine gives some brief points you should consider.

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.

Back to School Shouldn’t Mean Back Indoors for Children

Using the outdoors to enhance classroom performance is not a new idea, but a 14-page report recently released by The National Wildlife Federation highlights the vast research linking time kids spend outside to improved learning.

Can anyone recommend any good, balanced books on forestry/forest management appropriate for younger

This was a question posted to Project Learning Tree’s listserv by Rebecca Roy, Conservation Education Coordinator with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, and Vermont Project Learning Tree State Coordinator.  She went on to add, “The gal looking for book suggestions said she specifically didn’t want anything one-sided.  Do you have any suggestions?”

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.”

Students Gain Perspective And Knowledge In Outdoor Classroom

Watch this video clip about why environmental education is so important to our nation’s children.

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.

Having our wood count toward renewable fuels

Last month, one of our family forest landowners from Virginia, Anitra Webster, testified on Capitol Hill about the Renewable Fuel Standard and how it could impact family forest owners across the country.

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.

Tips for involving the next generation

“The best fertilizer for the land is the footsteps of the owners.”

The Carbon Scene

Carbon is the hot topic and it appears to be on the lips of every forest professional you talk with these days.

Wood belongs in the green building code

Wow, what a wonderful sight it would be to drive down a country road lined by exotic bamboo shoots instead of those mundane old pine trees!

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.

Can harvesting trees for energy benefit forests?

Listen to what VA. Tech’s head of forestry has to say about the potential role of forests in managing our nation’s energy future. The American Forest Foundation partners with Earth & Sky Radio Series to produce broadcasts on the current issues facing the 10 million family forest owners in the U.S.

Potential to Amass More Carbon in Eastern North American Forests

ScienceDaily (2009-04-11) — With climate change looming, the hunt for places that can soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is on. Obvious “sinks” for the greenhouse gas include the oceans and the enormous trees of tropical rainforests.  But temperate forests also play a role, and new research now suggests they can store more carbon than previously thought. … Read full article at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406192333.htm

Oregon Woodland Owners Consider Selling Carbon Credits

Check out this article from the Oregonian by Matthew Preusch about revenue opportunities for family forest owners by storing and selling carbon emission offset credits.

MANNING — With all the worries climate change conjures — swelling carbon footprints, dissolving Antarctic ice sheets — it helps to walk through Peter Hayes’ woods and hear how they could help slow the planet’s warming.

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.

2009 Outstanding Educators of the Year Announced by Project Learning Tree

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.

An Open-Door Policy for Green Building

The state of Maryland has an opportunity to rectify a legislative anomaly that was supposed to tighten environmental standards for green building, but has had the practical effect of excluding all but a handful of the 130,000 family and individual forest owners in the state.