Plant A Tree In Our National Forests
Colorado Skylights is dedicated to putting environmental sustainability into action as a small business partner of the National Forest Foundation, which is leading natural solutions to climate change through large-scale reforestation on public lands.
50 Million for Our Forests
The 50 Million for Our Forests campaign launched on Earth Day, 2018 to help meet the immense reforestation needs facing our National Forests. Since then, the NFF has planted more than 19.7 million trees, with 7.3 million planted in 2021.
Tree planting helps restore forests after severe wildfires, insects and disease and other natural disturbances while fighting climate change, conserving wildlife habitats, and ensuring healthy watersheds for everyone.
CO Skylights donates a portion of every whole house fan sold in support of the NFF’s 50 Million for Our Forests campaign, the largest campaign in support of reforesting our publicly-owned National Forests.
CO Skylights is proud to further our commitment to environmental sustainability and our public lands by partnering with the National Forest Foundation and investing in healthy forests.
Together, we'll restore thousands of acres of our National Forests for toady and for future generations.
About our National Forests
The National Forest system spans 193 million acres in 42 states and Puerto Rico, sustaining more than 3,000 species of wildlife, 10,000 species of plants, and vital watersheds that provide tens of millions of Americans with water.
Hosting around 170 million visitors every year, our National Forests offer more than 150,000 miles of multi-use trails, more than 100 Wild and Scenic Rivers, 445 official Wilderness Areas, 122 ski resorts, and thousands of campgrounds, boating, picnic, cultural and historical sites for anyone to enjoy.
National Forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture and managed for wildlife, recreation (motorized and non-motorized), timber, grazing, mining, water provision and other uses.
About National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation, chartered by Congress, engages Americans in community- based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193- million-acre National Forest System, and administers private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests.
The NFF supports restoration and community engagement on National Forests across the
country through:
-
Tree-planting that reforests National Forests damaged by wildfire, insects, disease and other such events;
-
Grant Programs that support local conservation groups working on National Forests;
-
Strategic and targeted restoration efforts through the Treasured Landscapes, Unforgettable Experiences conservation program;
-
Professional facilitation and support of collaborative efforts on National Forests;
-
Robust and creative communication programs that educate and inspire enjoyment, stewardship and restoration of National Forests.
How to Get Involved
You can contribute to The NFF's 50 Million for Our Forests tree planting campaign by donating directly to the campaign, or purchasing an eco-friendly whole house fan from Colorado Skylights.
CO Skylights is a proud small business partner for the NFF's tree-planting campaign, donating a portion of every whole house fan sold to this critical reforestation effort.
The NFF plants one tree for every dollar donated. Your donations help provide seedlings that are then planted by the Forest Service. For every dollar donated, the Forest Service invests $2 in these important projects in the form of seed sourcing, identifying the areas in most need of tree planting, contracting the labor, and providing follow-up care to ensure the seedlings survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need to plant Trees?
Every year, more and more of our National Forests are affected by natural disturbances that cause deforestation. Wildfire, insects and disease - exacerbated by climate change - are jeopardizing the very things that make our forests special. Planting trees helps restore forest cover to these lands, ensuring that our forests can continue to provide wildlife habitat, supply water to millions of Americans, and help fight climate change.
How does the NFF partner with the Forest Service
The NFF is the only Congressionally-chartered organization solely focused on our National Forests. We don't duplicate the responsibilities of the Forest Service, but rather complement its work by supporting important initiatives like tree planting on our National Forests.
For our tree planting campaign, the Forest Service identifies the areas of greatest reforestation need, sources the seedlings, grows the seedlings in a Forest Service nursery, contracts out the planting, and monitors seedling survival.
How do I know that may trees were actually planted?
The NFF adheres to strict auditing guidelines. At the completion of each tree planting season, the NFF generates detailed reports about that year’s tree planting projects for our partners.
Why are some areas forested and others not?
There is a difference between the number of acres affected by disturbance and the number of acres that are in need of reforestation. Resource management experts at the Forest Service are careful to assess areas that are impacted by disturbances such as wildfire. In many cases, areas will naturally regenerate. Other areas require a more hands-on approach like tree planting. The NFF works with the Forest Service to address those areas that are in immediate need of attention following disturbances.
Where are the trees planted?
The National Forest Foundation works with the USDA Forest Service to select planting sites on our 193-million- acre National Forest System where the ecological need is greatest. Many of our plantings occur in the Western U.S. where wildfires are driving reforestation need, but we plant in all regions, responding to where trees are needed most.
How do you decided where to plant trees and what trees to plant?
We plant trees in areas that have experienced a natural disturbance and only plant native and ecologically appropriate species picked by Forest Service professionals. Sometimes we plant only one species, sometimes multiple – every project is designed to improve ecological conditions for each specific forest.
Are planted trees going to be harvested or somehow managed in the future?
The NFF only supports tree-planting projects that improve the health of our forests. In some cases, the Forest Service may employ limited forest management in order to improve forest resiliency and reduce the risk of severe wildfire.
How will 50 million trees make a difference?
Planting 50 million trees in five years is a large goal, but it’s achievable with your help. Our campaign will raise awareness of this issue and help the Forest Service get ahead of reforestation needs. By planting 50 million trees, we will improve tens of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat, restore important watersheds that supply Americans with water, and sequester millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Why does the Forest Service need additional fund to plant trees?
While the Forest Service is tasked with managing our National Forests, the rate of deforestation caused by wildfire and other natural events has outpaced the agency’s ability to respond. There are currently more than 1 million acres of National Forests in urgent need of reforestation. That’s where the NFF comes in – we’re working to raise funds necessary to help the Forest Service reforest these cherished landscapes.
Where does the Forest Service get its trees?
The Forest Service operates six tree nurseries where it grows native tree seedlings for planting on National Forests. These trees are grown from locally sourced seeds, and the nurseries serve as research centers for the agency to develop disease-resistant strains of trees.
Are seedlings monitored for survival?
Before seedlings are ever planted, the Forest Service is careful to plant only when conditions are optimal, ensuring the highest possible survival rate. The Forest Service monitors seedlings for several years after they are planted. They use random sampling and, if needed, will carry out follow-up care or install browse protectors to further boost seedling survival.
How much does it cost to plant a tree and what does my money actually support?
The NFF plants one tree for every dollar donated. Your donations help provide seedlings that are then planted by the Forest Service. For every dollar donated, the Forest Service invests $2 in these important projects in the form of seed sourcing, identifying the areas in most need of tree planting, contracting the labor, and providing follow- up care to ensure the seedlings survive.