Rewilding the Appalachians, USA

Appalachia is one of America’s most beautiful and iconic regions. Stretching from the state of New York, all the way down to Alabama and Georgia, Appalachia is not only home to its namesake Appalachian Trail, but also the Ozarks and Blue Ridge Mountains. More than 150 tree species can be found in the region, making it one of the most diverse ecological regions in North America. Unfortunately, the resource wealth of the region also means much of the forest has been degraded by unsustainable mining and timber operations. Over the years, an estimated 83% of natural habitat has been lost.

Impact

This project is a five year, multi-state effort. Our planting partners at non-profit charity One Tree Planted have big ambitions of replanting up and down the Appalachian Trail. Supporting this project will return formerly unproductive mining, logging, and agricultural land to balance. Planting trees here will also benefit nearby communities as hydrological function will be improved, providing them with better quality water. This project also creates meaningful jobs in communities suffering high rates of poverty and unemployment.  Conservation practices will also be put into action to ensure the forests are maintained sustainably for many years to come.

Restoring degraded forests

Planting native tree species is critically important after deforestation, helping the entire ecosystem recover with both native flora and fauna. Without specialist tree planting, these areas become overrun with non-native invasive species.

Improve economic outcomes

Communities in Appalachia were hit particularly hard during the economic downturn of the last decade. This project provides jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, equipment operators, nursery operators, as well as the local tourism industry!

Protect wildlife habitat

As one of the most biologically diverse regions of North America, planting trees will help preserve the unique biodiversity of Appalachia. Salamanders, songbirds, and copperhead snakes are just a few of animals you will help.

Climate Solution #15

Temperate Forest Restoration

The world’s 1.9 billion acres of temperate forests are a net-carbon sink. According to the World Resources Institute, more than 1.4 billion additional acres are candidates for restoration—either large-scale, closed forest or mixed mosaics of forests, more sparsely growing trees, and land uses such as agriculture. With restoration comes additional carbon sequestration.

While temperate forests are not threatened by the same large-scale deforestation that afflicts the tropics, they continue to be fragmented by development. They also are experiencing hotter and more frequent droughts, longer heat waves, and more severe wildfires, as well as worsening insect and pathogen outbreaks. These disturbances can push temperate forests beyond their capacity for resilience.

Photos from the project

Who plants the trees?

We have partnered with One Tree Planted – a 501(c)(3) Non-profit environmental charity – for our localised tree planting. Started in 2014 it has more than doubled the number of trees planted year over year. Fast-forward to today, they now work with incredible reforestation partners in North and South America, Asia and Africa who help us get trees in the ground to restore forests after fires and floods, create jobs, build communities, and protect habitat for biodiversity.

Photo credit: One Tree Planted.