Reforestation priority region

American Southeast

Our network allows us to work alongside landowners to plant trees in a region mostly comprised of privately-owned forests.

American Southeast

Just a fraction of the Southeast’s original forestland remains after relentless deforestation. Restoring the landscape to its former glory will take partnerships and a lot of trees.

Southeastern forests are primarily located on private lands, but their impact reaches beyond property boundaries. Planting trees here ensures a boost to landowner livelihoods, a home for thousands of species, and the opportunity for long-term impact. 

landowners conversing by forest

Planting with committed landowners

More than 85% of southern forests are on private land, so planting trees here requires landowner buy-in. We have an unmatched network of partners that affords us the access needed for successful reforestation. We also counsel landowners on sustainable land management techniques so they can support their livelihood sellable timber.  

beautiful fall colors along road

Weaving forests into the fabric of the region

Indigenous people and early settlers used trees in the Southeast to lay the groundwork for modern life. Today, the forests remain central to the region’s identity and planting trees fosters local pride. Atlanta, one of the region’s largest cities, is even nicknamed “the city in a forest.” The forest’s resources also provides economic opportunities as well. 

young long leaf pine forest

Planting longleaf pine makes the region resilient

Longleaf pine lives an average of 250 years, can withstand high winds and resist pests. Low-intensity burns help this fire-adapted species, and their ecosystem thrive. We’ve identified longleaf pine as an ideal species to plant here because its high survivability indicates capability for long-term, positive impact on the region.  

gopher tortoise

Protecting one of the continent’s most biodiverse hotspots

Reforestation is helping preserve the vibrancy of American wildlife. Thanks in part to our work, the native gopher tortoise population made a major comeback and was removed from the endangered species list. By planting trees, we can create more survival success stories because trees serve as habitat to 80% of land-based animals. 

forest devastated by hurricane

Current State

While federal agencies play a key role in reforesting other parts of the country, they’re limited in the privately-owned forests of the Southeast. That’s why we’ve spent decades fostering strong partnerships with landowners to help get forests planted at scale on private property.  

Because we’re uniquely positioned to navigate land ownership hurdles, we can more easily address other challenges facing this critical landscape, stretching from Virginia to Texas. 

tree planters at work

Our Work in the American Southeast

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped plant more than 15 million longleaf pine trees in this region to date. The benefits of trees know no property lines, which is why engaging private landowners is such a critical part of reforesting the Southeast. We’ve established a strong network of landowner groups and are uniquely positioned to connect them to funding, educational resources, and forestry experts. We believe that, together, we can plant a better tomorrow. 

hands examine young long leaf pine

Right Trees, Right Place, Right Reason

As a global nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to nurturing crucial forestlands. We leverage cutting-edge science and data to identify ecosystems of global influence, like the American Southeast. We’re using our exclusive forest priority index to elevate our impact through reforestation and mobilize our network of partners to help plant at the speed of a changing world.