Implementing innovative techniques for whitebark pine restoration
Largely unseen yet essential to a tree’s foundational stability, roots funnel nourishment for the visible branches and canopy to grow and thrive. Much the same, science and data are the bedrock of American Forests’ innovative approach to fostering climate-smart forests, building wildfire resilience and investing in trees for healthier cities.
In 2025, we published groundbreaking research and reports to guide future restoration strategies, launched new tools, toolkits and resources, and advanced permanent reforestation pipeline solutions. We expanded the Tree Equity Score tool’s capabilities with new shade mapping features, equipping city leaders and partners with the data needed to provide shade where it is needed most to create healthier, safer communities.
We published groundbreaking research and analysis to accelerate climate-resilient forestry across landscapes.
American Forests is advancing a new era of innovation, rooted in science and driven by urgency. In 2025, we strengthened our role as a thought leader in forestry by producing groundbreaking analyses and reports that will shape how landscapes are managed, restored and sustained for generations.
Photo Credit: Amy Bulger / Colorado State Forest Service
In Northern Colorado, where more than 540,000 acres have burned since 2000, American Forests led the development of a science-driven reforestation strategy in partnership with the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, water providers, conservation districts, research institutions and community partners. The plan identifies more than 190,000 acres at risk of delayed regeneration or permanent forest loss and maps a path forward, prioritizing restoration to protect watersheds, biodiversity and communities most.
American Forests also published a report providing critical new insight into how forest management and wood utilization can contribute to natural climate solutions in California. Completing statewide carbon modeling, the report outlines climate-smart forestry practices that could reduce projected carbon emissions from California’s forests by up to 14% and spare the loss of nearly 40% of California’s forests by 2070. The study has inspired the most ambitious forest resilience plan nationally.
At the same time, we are tackling two of reforestation’s most fundamental challenges: seed supply and forestry workforce gaps. In collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry and other partners, we published a guide to support the planning, funding and implementation of large-scale cone collection efforts.
Through a first-of-its-kind analysis, we also forecasted reforestation needs across the Pacific Northwest, over the next 50 years, helping to align investment, workforce and capacity with the true scale of need.
Together, these efforts ensure that science and data drive decisions that will grow stronger, more resilient forests for the future.
Innovation in action
Developing new tools, toolkits and resources to advance Tree Equity
American Forests is continually innovating new resources to equip communities to advance Tree Equity. Last year, we relaunched Vibrant Cities Lab with new tools, including a Cool Corridors Guide, Urban Forestry Roadmap and Forest Health insights to help urban foresters address climate stressors. We also released Tree Equity Handbook Toolkits, offering practical guidance and interactive resources that complement those in Vibrant Cities Lab. Together, these tools translate science into action by empowering local leaders, urban foresters and advocates to build healthier, more resilient communities.
Photo Credit: American Forests
Photo Credit: Bill Masterson / Tree Eastie
Building capacity to achieve Tree Equity in Boston with Liberty Mutual Foundation
American Forests and Liberty Mutual are advancing Tree Equity across Greater Boston by building the capacity needed to manage the full lifecycle of the urban forest, from data tools to climate-resilient tree supply and long-term maintenance to workforce development, through a $300,000 planning grant establishing a new green jobs map. Together, we are creating stronger systems, greener neighborhoods and more equitable access to the many benefits trees provide.
Creating permanent solutions to scale up the reforestation supply chain
As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, coordinated action, sustained investment and the growth of innovative industries is needed. To address this challenge, American Forests is expanding the reforestation pipeline nationwide by strengthening the full system needed to move from seed sourcing to seedling production to replanting. The goal is to ensure billions of climate-adapted seedlings are sourced, grown and ready for planting when and where forests have burned and failed to regenerate.
Photo Credit: Andrew Studer / American Forests
“I support American Forests because they are training a new generation of urban and rural forest professionals at a time of rapid climate change. As FDR said, ‘Forests are the lungs of our land.’ Especially today, forests need our best, young scientific talent to protect them.” — Susanna, American Forests Donor
