Unlocking the potential in America’s family-owned forests

What We Do

We empower family forest owners to make a meaningful conservation impact.

How We Do It

Together, we’re addressing our most pressing conservation challenges.

Why We Do It

The potential in America’s family-owned forests has largely been undervalued.

Who We Are

The American Forest Foundation is an ambitious conservation organization.

Our Mission

The mission of the American Forest Foundation is to deliver meaningful conservation impact through the empowerment of family forest owners. Working together, we strive to cultivate the many conservation benefits family-owned forests provide—and demonstrate their value to American communities, companies and landowners alike.

What We Do

Increase Carbon Storage

America’s family-owned forests are vital in combating climate change.

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Mitigate Catastrophic Wildfires

Forest owners have the power to help reduce the risk of wildfires.

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Improve Wildlife Habitat

Managing our forests means caring for our most vulnerable wildlife.

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Protect Clean Water

We need healthy forests to protect our nation’s water supply.

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Increase Sustainable Wood Supplies

Family-owned forests play a major role in our nation’s wood supply.

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Support Rural Communities

Supporting forestry means supporting rural American communities.

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How We Do It

Partnerships

Working together, we’re tackling our most pressing conservation issues.

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Tools & Support for Landowners

We’re connecting family forest owners to the resources they need.

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Advocacy

Government actions can support both landowners and conservation.

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Philanthropy & Giving

Your support helps empower America’s family forest owners.

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Why We Do It

FourTee Acres: Connecting the Generations

Tyrone Williams squinted into the sun as he looked toward the newly planted tract of loblolly pines on his 62-acre property in Enfield, North Carolina. The air was fragrant with the trees’ scent. He thought about his ancestors and how they surely stood in this very same spot.

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Outstanding Efforts to Restore Critical Habitat

The New family, David and Dar New, and their daughter’s family, Jennifer and Jeff Parker and their sons, are owners of the Nourse Family Tree Farm in Bellingham, Washington. The 165-acre property has been in Dar’s family for three generations.

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Embracing Alabama's Longleaf

As a curious child and Eagle Scout in southeastern Alabama during the 1950s, Salem Saloom was surrounded by longleaf pine forests like the ones he and his wife, Dianne, and son, Patrick, now manage.

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Planting Seeds for the Future of Family Forestry

Pride of ownership. That’s the driving force for Lois Kaufman and Dave McNamara as they steward their 53-acre property in Oak Run, California, about 30 miles northeast of Redding. They’ve both enjoyed long careers as foresters and mentored countless Tree Farmers.

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Managing White Oaks During the Bourbon Boom

Bourbon’s popularity is on the rise around the United States. That means an equal rise in demand for white oak. Coopers use large, knot-free logs of this durable hardwood to make the barrels that give the spirit its rich flavors and amber hue.

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From the Family Forest Blog

April 21, 2022

We’re Not Waiting Until Tomorrow

For many landowners, your land is your legacy. This Earth Day, we invite you to improve the overall health of your forest, help fight the global climate crisis and secure your legacy for generations to come.

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March 3, 2022

Strength, Diversity & Welcoming Women into the Forest Sector

AFF’s Dawn Simmons reflects on her journey as a woman in the forest sector and encourages other women to join her in making the sector a welcoming space for everyone.

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January 26, 2022

The Future Is Now

This month, Rita Hite put her boots on the ground as president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. She reflects on the optimism she’s feeling for the future of America’s family forest owners, AFF and our planet.

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Careers

Interested in joining our growing team in tackling our nation’s most pressing conservation issues?

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