American Forests is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1875. It works to protect and restore healthy forest ecosystems. The organization's main office is located in Washington, D.C.
Activities
American Forests' mission is to "Create Healthy and Resilient Forests, from Cities to Wilderness, that Deliver Essential Benefits for Climate, People, Water and Wildlife." The organization works in four main areas: restoring forests in rural areas, increasing tree coverage in cities, maintaining a list of the largest trees in the National Register of Champion Trees, and influencing forest-related policies. It also publishes a magazine every three months.
In North America, millions of acres of native forests have been lost or damaged due to natural events like wildfires, pests, and disease, as well as human activities such as mining, development, and clearing land for farming or construction. Restoring forests can help bring back these natural areas and create jobs.
Through its Tree Equity program, American Forests helps cities grow and care for tree coverage in neighborhoods that lack trees. The organization works with city leaders and community groups in 22 cities to create science-based plans for urban forests. It supports tree planting projects, raises awareness about the importance of trees, and encourages government funding for urban forestry efforts.
American Forests also involves volunteers across the United States to find, protect, and record the largest trees. These volunteers teach the public about the value of mature trees and forests. The organization operates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Its work has inspired similar programs in countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Mexico. Each year, more than 750 trees are recognized as champions and listed in the National Register of Champion Trees. This program has existed for over 70 years and aims to protect large trees and educate people about their role in supporting the environment.
The organization also works to protect and restore forests through public policies and helps communities manage their natural resources through partnerships.
American Forests publishes a quarterly magazine. The magazine was previously named American Forests and Forest Life (1924–1930), American Forestry (1910–1923), Conservation (1908–1909), Forestry and Irrigation (1902–1908), and The Forester (1895–1901). The first three issues of the first volume were titled New Jersey Forester.
History
American Forests was founded in September 1875 as the American Forestry Association (AFA) by a doctor and plant expert named John Aston Warder and a group of people in Chicago who shared his interests. The group’s goal was to share information about forests and help protect them. In 1882, the AFA joined the American Forestry Congress, which met in Cincinnati, Ohio. This made the AFA an important national group for promoting forestry. In 1889, the AFA returned to its original name.
The AFA helped create the idea for a national forest system and the U.S. Forest Service. It also started the first conservation magazine in the country. The group worked to expand national forests in the eastern United States. It partnered with Franklin D. Roosevelt to form the Civilian Conservation Corps. The AFA gave a platform to famous conservation leaders like Gifford Pinchot, Aldo Leopold, and Ansel Adams. It also helped develop the field of urban forestry.
In its early years, the AFA shared information about forestry through yearly reports, occasional updates, and newspapers. In 1897, the AFA became an official organization and took over publishing a magazine called The Forester from the New Jersey Forestry Association. The magazine’s name changed over time to Forestry and Irrigation, then Conservation, and finally American Forests. By 1920, the AFA had about 10,000 members and was active in teaching people about forests and influencing laws related to them.
The AFA worked for many years to protect forests. It supported the creation of forest reserves, the passage of the Weeks Act, and the formation of the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1924, the AFA started a tradition by giving the first living national Christmas tree to the White House.
In 1940, the AFA began keeping a list called the National Register of Champion Trees. This list includes the largest trees of each native and naturalized species in the United States. People across the U.S. can suggest trees for the register. This has become a yearly competition among individuals, counties, and states to find the most champion trees.
In 1990, the AFA started the Global ReLeaf program, which plants trees to help restore forests in the United States and around the world. More than 40 million trees have been planted through this program.
In 1992, the AFA changed its name to American Forests to better show its work for the environment. What began as a group of professional foresters now includes people who care about trees and forests, such as environmentalists, outdoor lovers, and tree enthusiasts.