General Information

  • What is a Global ReLeaf forest?

Global ReLeaf forests are reforestation projects on public lands – managed by a local, state, or federal organization – or certain public-accessible projects meeting special criteria on private lands. American Forests partners with private organizations and the US Forest Service, and selects lands where additional funding can help create a new forest that would not be possible under existing programs and budgets.

  • Will Global ReLeaf reforest areas where public agencies should do the job?

The US public forestry agencies and the forest products industry reforest lands where timber is harvested. There are millions of acres, however, where past land-use practices and natural disasters have left the land in poor condition. While many public agencies would like to repair and restore these sites, they lack the necessary funding to do so. Global ReLeaf expands upon existing efforts, and allows private citizens and organizations to participate in these environmental improvement projects.

  • What benefits do Global ReLeaf projects provide?

By expanding the area of healthy trees and forests, and restoring natural ecosystems, Global ReLeaf tree planting projects provide long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. Growing trees prevent soil erosion, clean waterways, and absorb harmful greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide. Forests also help recharge groundwater and sustain stream flow, provide vital habitat for wildlife, and offer people a multitude of recreational activities. Each planting area is responsibly managed to provide optimal benefits.

Donor/Contributor Information

  • Where does the money come from?

American Forests accepts tax-deductible donations to Global ReLeaf from individuals, foundations, and businesses. Each year, Global ReLeaf Forest grants are made available to project sponsors prior to the planting season.

  • How many trees will my donation purchase?

Planting costs vary from state to state, and from site to site. Donations pay for the trees and their planting, evaluating proposals, selecting the sites, maintaining contracts and agreements, and publicizing the program. American Forests leverages its resources and special relationships to be able to plant one tree for every dollar donated. Some of our restoration projects cost more than one dollar per tree, in which case American Forests uses its own resources to cover any additional costs. Some projects cost less than one dollar per tree, in which case the balance of a donor’s gift will be used to support our overall mission to protect and restore rural and urban forests.

Project Information

  • How many acres can be planted?

Global ReLeaf projects reforest areas of 20 acres or more. The actual number of trees planted depends on the type of land and the species of trees planted. Most projects will plant between 200 and 700 trees per acre; the average being 500.

  • How are planting sites, tree species, and planting methods selected?

American Forests thoroughly reviews each application to select planting sites where trees are most needed. An agreement is then made between American Forests and the local planting partners at each site to ensure that native tree species are planted using proper planting methods, and that follow-up care and management will be provided. We place emphasis on planting a variety of tree species to recreate the best possible ecosystem by using the latest, most accurate reforestation and management techniques.

  • How can organizations apply for project consideration?

American Forests works closely with an advisory committee to identify and select eligible projects that meet the application criteria. Please check our website periodically for our updated application. If you have any questions, please contact Megan Higgs at (202) 737-1944, ext. 248 or mhiggs@americanforests.org.

  • Who are some of the organizations American Forests collaborates with for their projects?

American Forests works closely with the following organizations:

US Forest Service; US Bureau of Land Management; US Fish & Wildlife Service; state parks, forests & wildlife areas; US Army Corps of Engineers; Soil & Water Conservation Districts; non-profit conservation and tree planting organizations; Indian nations; Natural Resources  Conservation Service; counties; communities; and schools.