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History and Culture

Honoring George Nelson Semmens

We are grateful for George’s lifetime of service to our forests, for his generosity to the NFF, and for the example he sets.

U.S. Forest Service Bookmark from 1937 Features Lasting Values

Our tree planting partner, Atlas Services LLC, recently shared a bookmark printed in 1937 that they acquired.

The National Museum of Forest Service History: Go Discover our Country’s Conservation Story

Learn more about the National Museum of Forest Service History.

Five Things You Might Not Know About the Capitol Christmas Tree

Beginning in 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has provided a tree to the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the holiday season. Learn more about this unique and festive tradition.

National Forest Foundation

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The West Cross Creek Trail Project Launches Thanks to the San Juan Stewardship Fund

Through the Hermosa Creek Watershed Special Management Area Plan, the trail has been recognized as an official part of the National Forest Trail System – but needed significant work on the alignment and drainage features to become sustainable.

Harry Amyotte: Turning Tragedy into Benefit

Turning tragedy into benefit is truly one of the most beautiful transformations any family could hope to affect. Mr. Amyotte’s family is doing just that, while honoring a man who positively impacted so many during his life. We are humbled to help Mr. Amyotte’s family honor him in this way.

Public Lands and Public Health: The Case for Getting Outdoors

NFF Executive Vice President Ray Foote recently attended the 2018 SHIFT festival in Jackson, Wyoming and shares his take aways.

NFF Grant Partners and Projects

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National Forest Foundation Grant Boosts Effort to Restore “Lost” Trails

In 2017, a grant from the National Forest Foundation enabled the Washington Trails Association to focus on "lost trails" of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that needed restoration.

In Their Own Words: Youth Conservationists on the Coronado National Forest - Fall 2018

Hear from the fall 2018 Earth Conservation Interns about their experience on the Coronado National Forest.

This was one EPIC restoration project.

With support from the NFF's Ski Conservation Fund and Vail Resorts, the Eagle River Watershed Council restored the popular Shrine Pass Recreation Area on the White River National Forest.

Talking in the Woods with Harney County Restoration Collaborative

With NFF support the Harney County Restoration Collaborative has garnered community support and consensus for local forest management practices.

Paddling

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A Paddler’s Guide to Leaving No Trace

There are few things out there as memorable or rewarding as an overnight river trip. It doesn't matter the river type—whether it's full of technical rapids or deep, languid flat water—there's just something about paddling to a campsite that can't be beaten. But of course with all good things, it pays to be diligent and responsible in order to keep them good. So, here are some simple ways to minimize your impacts while paddling, so that you (and others) can enjoy these natural places for many more trips to come.

Ten of the Best Places to Paddle on National Forests

In 2013, we posted a blog called “14 Best Places to Canoe and Kayak on National Forests.” Two years later, it’s still one of our most popular blogs. We thought we should add a few gems we missed and highlight some of the other best places to paddle on our National Forests.

Fourteen Best Places to Canoe and Kayak on National Forests

With hundreds of miles of designated Wild and Scenic Rivers on our National Forests, not to mention stunning lakes, you don't need to look too far for a great paddle experience near you.

Wilderness

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Exploring a Classic Backpacking Route in the Sipsey Wilderness

The first time I hiked in the Sipsey Wilderness I felt like I’d wandered into some strange oasis. With deep canyons, high waterfalls, and forests of hemlocks and mountain laurel, the Sipsey seems out of place in north Alabama. It’s as if, by some miracle, a 25,000-acre chunk of North Georgia was transported 190 miles to the West.

Eight of My Favorite Wilderness Areas in California

Travel in California and you will experience diverse Wilderness areas spanning coast to alpine and desert to montane. There are 149 wilderness areas in California ranging in size from six acres to 3.1 million. They cover nearly 15 million acres—roughly 15 percent of the state.

Wilderness 101

Today the National Wilderness Preservation System contains nearly 110 million acres of lands enjoyed by all Americans. These wilderness lands all exist within our National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges and Bureau of Land Management Lands.

10 Pacific Northwest Wilderness Areas for Those Seeking Solitude

If you have spent time in the Pacific Northwest and are a nature lover, then chances are, you have been in or heard of the popular wilderness areas within the National Forest system.

Wildlife

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Nine Questions About Bats

How much do you know about the only flying mammal in the world? These fuzzy creatures may be portrayed as monsters in movies, but they’re pretty important to our forests. Here are a couple questions to help you better understand bats.

Gliding Through Appalachian National Forests

These nocturnal flying squirrels soar among the trees of high elevation forests, though they don’t actually fly. Instead, they glide by unfurling their furred-skin folds into a square and using their tail as a rudder.

Reforesting Canada Lynx Habitat

Wildlife everywhere needs room to roam and our National Forests provide rich and diverse landscapes across the U.S. The Canada lynx is just one example of the different kinds of unique wildlife that can be found across our forests.

Forest Ecology

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Our Forests, Their Home: Replanting for Wildlife

Within our forests, you can find more than 3,000 species of fish and wildlife, including more than 400 federally listed threatened and endangered species.