Impact Stories

Photo by Tim LaBarge

a tree planting crew walks on a trail through a forest

Our impact is more than the number of trees we plant or acres we restore.

It’s people hiking trails for the first time since they closed after a storm; communities still standing because of treatments that reduced wildfire risk in their area; cities downstream of restored wetlands that have a renewed, steady supply of clean water.

Browse the stories below and discover the deep-rooted, generational impact forests have on our lives when they are actively-managed and accessible to everyone.

Featured Story

Creating a Fire Resilient Truckee

The largest, most destructive wildfires in California’s history have occurred in the last ten years. Everything is at stake for mountain communities like Truckee.

To protect people, wildlife, and recreation, the NFF and partners in the Middle Truckee River Watershed are restoring forest health and building fire-resilient communities for the future.

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NFF staff and crew members watch logs from a forest health treatment project get processed. — Photo by Anthony Cupaiuolo

Impact Stories

Highline Trail Restoration Initiative

Erosion and wildfire had left Arizona's historic Highline Trail rutted and unsafe. After five years of work with the Tonto National Forest and a network of local partners, all 63...

Photos from Derffer Fuels Reduction Project on the Coconino National Forest. Taken October 2025 for case study content Capture.

Forest Restoration Protecting Communities and Downstream Water Supplies

Forest restoration near Flagstaff is reducing wildfire risk for local communities and safeguarding the water supply for millions across the Southwest.

Stills from Blue Lakes Trail to Mt. Sneffels captured in July 2025 as part of the Colorado 14ers Content Package. Featuring work from Southwest Conservation Corp.

Protecting Colorado’s 14ers for the Future

Colorado's 14ers draw thousands of visitors each year, and the pressure on these fragile alpine landscapes is growing. Here's a look at how the National Forest Foundation and its partners...

Step Into Wonder at Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Visitors of all ages can explore forest trails and sparkling waters, discover wildlife and underwater habitats, and connect with Tahoe’s natural and cultural treasures.

2022 Mission Mountain Youth Crew pose together in front of a lake.

Cultivating Leaders in the Mission Mountains

A partnership-driven program connecting youth on Montana’s Flathead Reservation with hands-on conservation work, heritage education, and pathways in natural resource careers.

Great American Outdoors Act with Baratunde Thurston

Seeing the impact first hand on the Grand Mesa, Uncompaghre and Gunnison National Forests

NFF Pacific Northwest and Alaska Program Director Patrick Shannon hikes a trail on the Columbia River Gorge.

Restoring the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Seven Years of Reopening Trails After the Eagle Creek Fire

Photos from Field Rangers program summer 2023 on the Angeles National Forest.

Field Ranger Program Connects Diverse Communities to Forests in Southern California

Four tree planters navigate fallen trees on a bare mountain slope that have recently burned.

Reforestation on the Umpqua

Anna's family has been planting trees for 50 years. Now she is helping build a sustainable model to meet the Forest’s future post-fire reforestation needs

Restoring the Colorado River Watershed through Nature Based Solutions

Nature-based solutions are bringing life back to streams and wetlands in the Colorado River Watershed, securing water for people, wildlife, and the future.

Our Forests Need Us Today.

Your donation powers critical, on-the-ground conservation—from wildfire recovery to watershed restoration—protecting forests for the future.