Reforestation of National Forests

Before any planting happens, someone has to walk the land first. Local foresters assess soil type, drainage, and what's already growing before deciding which trees will actually thrive there and how far apart to space them.

That groundwork shapes everything that follows. Planting

This patch of land in the southeastern US was tilled into rows and planted with young pine seedlings during the dormant winter season, when trees handle the stress of transplanting best. Crews walked the rows on foot, carrying seedling bags and planting by hand, one row at a time.

Bare

Not all forest work happens with a shovel. A lot of it happens like this — standing still, looking up, reading what the trees are telling you. Regular monitoring helps us understand how the forest is recovering, which areas need attention, and what's thriving on its own. The work

Before a tree becomes a forest, it starts here — bare roots, open soil, and a pair of hands ready to do the work. Each seedling is planted individually, roots carefully spread so they can anchor deep and grow strong. No shortcuts, just the slow and steady process of putting trees

Forests like these in the U.S. play a vital role in protecting rivers, storing carbon, and sheltering diverse wildlife. 🌲
Keeping them healthy means protecting both nature and the communities that depend on them.

Restoring national forests in the U.S. isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about people.
Community participation is key to keeping these forests healthy and ensuring they’re protected for generations to come.

Did you know the Northern Bobwhite Quail is one of the few quail species native to the United States?

Recognizable by its distinctive "bob-white" call, this ground-dwelling bird depends on healthy grasslands and open woodlands to thrive.

Unfortunately, habitat loss has led to

One thing we do that makes a big difference? We plant with the future in mind. That means using locally adapted seeds—trees that are genetically suited to the exact environment where they’ll grow. It’s a small step that helps build stronger, more resilient forests in the long run

The world is changing rapidly, but planting trees in forests can help tackle some of our planet's biggest challenges—if we start planting now.

We celebrate our volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Thanks to their support, our forests continue to thrive!

The American Southeast has lost tens of millions of acres of forest. It’s time to restore them by planting trees.

Tree nurseries are essential for successful reforestation. They provide the seedlings needed to restore forests, fight climate change, and protect biodiversity. By carefully maintaining nurseries, we ensure that trees grow strong and are ready to thrive in the wild.

Severe droughts have triggered massive wildfires across the West Coast. Tree planting initiatives in these areas tackle critical challenges like water shortages and climate change, while also aiding forest recovery in regions where natural regeneration isn’t possible after fires.

This is one of the six nursieries run by the USDA Forest Service. This nursery is responsible for helping National Forests in Southern Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Western Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico recover more quickly after natural disasters.

Here is where it all starts. One full grown seedling being transplated into one of our planting sites.