American Forests

American Forests is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy forest ecosystems. Their stated mission is to "protect and restore forests, helping to preserve the health of our planet for the benefit of its inhabitants". The organization was established in 1875 as the American Forestry Association by physician and horticulturist John Aston Warder and a group of like-minded citizens in Chicago.

The organization has an extensive history in the conservation movement, including advocating for the creation of forest reserves, passage of the Weeks Act, and creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1924, the American Forestry Association started what would be come a national tradition by donating the first living national Christmas tree to the white house.

Since 1940 the organization has maintained the National Register of Big Trees, a list of the largest trees of each native and naturalized species in the United States. Candidates for the National Register are nominated by coordinators, big-tree hunters and volunteers across the U.S. in what has become an annual competition between individuals, counties, and even states to hold the most champion trees.

In 1990, American Forests created their Global ReLeaf program, which plants trees to restore forested ecosystems across the U.S. and around the world. They have currently planted more than 40 million trees through this program.

The organization also works to advocate for the protection and restoration of rural and urban forests through public policy, and engage members of a community in the management of their natural resources through various community coalitions.