The Future We Build: Clayton and Arbor Day Foundation’s Reforestation Efforts in New River Gorge
September 25, 20243 min read
Trees play a pivotal role in sustaining healthy ecosystems, providing essential benefits such as clean air, water filtration and habitat for wildlife. Tree planting efforts are crucial for maintaining these benefits, especially in areas where deforestation and environmental degradation have occurred. In a significant step towards ecological restoration, Clayton and the Arbor Day Foundation® have partnered to plant trees in forests of great need. This collaboration aims to enhance natural landscapes, improve biodiversity and help combat climate change through targeted tree planting initiatives.
The partnership between Clayton and the Arbor Day Foundation recognizes that forests are vital to the long-term sustainability of our planet, and, as partners, we have set a goal to plant trees in regions where reforestation is critically needed. Our efforts are often concentrated on public lands, which serve as vital reservoirs of biodiversity. By focusing on these areas, this partnership ensures that the impact of reforestation is maximized, helping to benefit the communities we serve.
Importance of Public Land
Reforestation on public land is an essential part of land management, promoting long term environmental and community health. Although placed into conservation, sometimes public lands consist of previously degraded environments that require extensive restoration. Native reforestation in these areas is crucial for rebuilding ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and cultivating community health. Healthy forests act as carbon sinks, help regulate water cycles and provide habitats for a myriad of species. Thus, planting efforts on public lands play a vital role in preserving these natural spaces for future generations.
"Reforestation is important in the National Park because public lands provide benefits to all of society,” according to Michael French, Director of Green Forest Work. “National parks provide a community with clean air, clean water, carbon sequestration and recreation. It’s important to the community to restore these impacted forests and undue damage that was done years ago."
