American Forests

Learn about epic cone collection efforts, groundbreaking whitebark pine research, inspiring workforce stories and more in the newest issue of American Forests Magazine! https://bit.ly/3R5xqgz

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate the women who are shaping the future of forestry and conservation. From advancing Tree Equity to tackling climate change, women are leading efforts to create healthier, greener communities for all. Their dedication is making a lasting impact on both people and forests. Join us in honoring the incredible women driving change and growing a more sustainable future.

What an incredible day at #SXSW2025! Our event was an inspiring conversation about the power of trees to create healthier, more resilient communities. We loved connecting with so many passionate advocates and changemakers, all working to advance #TreeEquity. It was also a great moment to highlight the American Heart Association joining the Tree Equity Alliance—a game-changing step in uniting urban forestry and public health. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dYiUHXPE ? Hilary Franz | GreenLatinos?| Benita Hussain | Pamela Garmon Johnson | Mark Maga?a | SXSW | Alana Tucker, AICP

I am beyond energized to share that I’m at SXSW 2025 for "Regreening America with Jerome Foster II"—hosted by Food Tank, sponsored by Deloitte, and featuring American Forests! Taking the stage on March 14th is truly an honor, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share conversations that are close to my heart—from all things trees and climate action to movement building and environmental equity. Diving into my journey—how youth leadership and bold policy shifts have driven transformative change, shaping movements, influencing legislation, and shifting the global conversation on progress; to now, evolving these efforts to scale resilience, invest in solutions that work, and building a legacy of impact is on my mind to share. Looking forward to learning, sharing, and uniting for continuous ambition—hope to see you there! #SXSW #RegreeningAmerica #ClimateJustice #TreeEquity #YouthVoices #PolicyForChange

Honored to be a part of this distinguished panel at SXSW discussing the impact of #TreeEquity on our communities and health. Thank you American Forests for the invitation.

It was great to join with American Forests Benita Hussain, American Heart Association Pamela Garmon Johnson, and GreenLatinos Mark Maga?a to raise awareness of our new deadliest natural disaster and what we can do about it. My work over the last 8 years has involved responding to natural disasters from wildfires and floods to drought and landslides. But the deadliest natural disaster our state faced in recent recorded history was the 2021 Heat Dome, which caused roughly 400 fatalities in Washington. Most known for our cold, grey, wet summers, Washington was caught completely by surprise. Seattle and King County 911 system received more calls than it has seen in its 53-year history. The heat caused infrastructure damage, with buckled sections of I5 and melted power lines. We had mass die-offs of shellfish and increased stress on our forests and agricultural lands and increased wildfires. It was a warning call for what is to come in the years ahead. With a rapidly warming climate, no one is immune from the heat and the toll it will have on our environment, our health, and our productivity. Last year was the hottest year on record globally. In the US, at the height of last year's heat wave, 60 million Americans were under heat alerts as it engulfed the West and moved to the central and eastern US. In Texas, millions were without power, making it impossible to beat the heat. Nature is now in charge of our thermostat -- not us. But if we work with nature, we can change the trajectory we're on. And that is what we began to do in Washington. The challenge for urban areas is how to equitably serve the growing need for cooling without multiplying the negative impacts. Typical space cooling practices are generally very energy intensive and largely reliant on fossil-fuel generated electricity and refrigerants that are harmful to the climate. We need a holistic solution to address rising emissions and urban heat islands in cities, and the holistic solution is trees. Partnering with American Forests, we set a goal to achieve a tree equity score of 75 in every neighborhood in our state. Using data and working with communities, we're able to understand the areas that need investment, drive resources to these communities, and track our progress over time. With nearly 85% of urbanized neighborhoods in Washington having inadequate tree cover, cities and organizations, like Tacoma Tree Foundation, Seattle Parks Foundation, Spokane Conservation District, The Lands Council, and City of Yakima are quickly turning down the temperature. This work has multiple co-benefits, including enhanced health, well-being and productivity of residents; increased economic development; improved air and water quality and energy efficiency; equitable access to thermal comfort; and reduced ghg emissions. It is never too late to get started, but it will be easier for everyone if we start now. To learn more, read Jeff Goodell's book "The Heat Will Kill You First".

Happening now: American Forests' Benita Hussain, American Heart Association's Pamela Garmon Johnson, GreenLatinos' Mark Maga?a, and Hilary Franz are at SXSW talking all things #TreeEquity! #SXSW

Whitebark pine is a keystone species, vital to high-elevation ecosystems throughout the western United States. Yet, extreme threats from disease, climate change, and invasive pests led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to place it on the Endangered Species List in 2022. For the past three years, American Forests, alongside leading scientists and conservationists, has been racing against time to restore these trees. Now, groundbreaking research is unlocking genetic insights that could accelerate restoration efforts like never before. Through our $1 million grant, the Life Time Foundation is proud to support this essential work and the dedicated experts making it possible. As Valeria La Rosa says, “My hope is that we can build a passionate community dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role these species play in sustaining high-mountain ecosystems and supporting biodiversity.” This project has been incredibly fascinating to follow, and I highly recommend reading the article—it does a great job explaining the science behind their work: https://lnkd.in/eeijhQ7d WHITEBARK PINE ECOSYSTEM FOUNDATION Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative National Park Service Jad Daley

We’re thrilled to announce our newest partnership with American Heart Association! Our Tree Equity Alliance aims to make #TreeEquity a public health priority. Join us today at SXSW to learn how trees help protect heart health and why this collaboration matters. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dYiUHXPE Hilary Franz | GreenLatinos #BeatingTheHeat #SXSW

Exciting news – we're headed to #SXSW2025!? I’m thrilled to moderate a panel on how advocates and community leaders are using #trees to cool neighborhoods and save lives. We’ll dive into how trees combat extreme heat, the disproportionate impact of heat and other climate ills on low-income and communities of color, and how communities are responding by investing in urban forests and mobilizing frontline residents to achieve #climate and health justice, one tree at a time. We have an all-star panel, including Hilary Franz, formerly of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Pamela Garmon Johnson of the American Heart Association and Mark Maga?a of GreenLatinos. Be there Monday, March 10 at 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT, at the Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon A.?? Panel: “Beating the Heat: How #TreeEquity Is the Issue of Our Time”? This is a session you won’t want to miss -- whether you’re an urban forester, community advocate, health professional or just want to learn more about the awesome power of trees!? #SXSW?American Forests