About
American Forests is the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the United States. Founded in 1875 and headquartered at 1220 L Street NW in Washington, DC, this 501(c)(3) organization works to create healthy and resilient forests from cities to large natural landscapes, delivering benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife.
Mission
American Forests creates healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. The organization advances its mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. Its vision is a world in which the significant environmental, societal and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people.
What they do
- Tree Equity: helping cities develop and carry out plans to plant and care for trees in the neighborhoods that need them most, supported by its Tree Equity Score tool
- Resilient Forests: helping ensure large forest landscapes are healthy and resilient to the impacts of climate change
- Policy: educating US Congressional leaders about policies and programs that could help reforest America
- Innovation Lab and science: developing tools and conducting research, including the Reforestation Hub and Vibrant Cities Lab
- Movement building through coalitions such as the Forest-Climate Working Group, the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition and the Tree Equity Alliance
History
Founded in 1875, American Forests has marked over 150 years of work. The organization championed the creation of the US Forest Service and persuaded Congress to provide stable funding for fighting and preventing forest fires. It also runs the Champion Trees program and publishes American Forests magazine.
Scale and impact
The organization's team of more than 50 people includes scientists, experts in urban forestry and large-scale forest restoration, coalition leaders and policy experts. Its corporate partners have included Salesforce, the Coca-Cola Foundation, Eddie Bauer, Clif Bar and Company, and Travelers, among others.
Financials
Per its IRS filings summarized by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 53-0196544), for the fiscal year ending September 2025 American Forests reported total revenue of approximately 35.6 million dollars, total expenses of approximately 32.3 million dollars, and net assets of approximately 13.6 million dollars.
Governance
American Forests is governed by a Board of Directors and advised by a Science Advisory Board.