🌲 Forest Friends 2026: Reforesting America’s Most Urgent Landscapes

Every year, A Living Tribute’s Forest Friends program supports reforestation where it’s needed most—helping restore US forests that have been impacted by wildfire, disease, drought, and environmental change.

Through Forest Friends 2026, your memorial tree gifts will help support 20+ National Forests across the United States, funding the planting of trees in landscapes that need it most—bringing new life to forests and honoring loved ones in a deeply meaningful way.

🌎 What Is Forest Friends?

Forest Friends—also known as our “Forests of Greatest Need” program—allows us to direct tree plantings toward the areas where reforestation will have the greatest impact.

Rather than designating a single tree planting location, this program supports a network of critical National Forest restoration projects, including:

• Wildfire recovery zones
• Wildlife habitat restoration areas
• Watershed protection regions
• Forests struggling with natural regeneration

This flexibility allows our planting partners to ensure that every tree planted contributes to real, measurable ecological recovery.

🌱 2026 Projects & Locations

Here are some of the key National Forests and restoration efforts planned for the year ahead:

🌄 Colorado Forest Restoration

• Pike-San Isabel National Forest – Tree Planting
• Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest – Cameron Peak Fire Recovery

These reforestation projects focus on restoring high-elevation forests impacted by wildfire and environmental stress, helping stabilize soils and protect water systems across the Rockies.

🌲 Northern Rockies & Pacific Northwest

• Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest (MT) – Tree Planting 
• Idaho Panhandle National Forests (ID) – Tree Planting 
• Umpqua National Forest (OR) – Jack Fire Recovery
• Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (OR) – Restoration Tree Planting

These efforts focus heavily on post-wildfire recovery, reestablishing native species and restoring long-term forest resilience.

❄️ Alaska & Unique Restoration Projects

• Chugach National Forest (AK)
  • Resurrection Creek mining reclamation project (2026)

This project restores land impacted by historic mining—bringing forests back to landscapes that have been altered for generations.

🌳 Southern & Eastern Forest Recovery

• National Forests in Mississippi – Longleaf Pine Restoration
• Wayne National Forest (OH) – Oak-Dominated Ecosystem Enhancement & Restoration
• Mark Twain National Forest (MO) – Native Shortleaf Pine Planting
• Santa Fe National Forest (NM) – Hermits Peak / Calf Canyon Reforestation
• Gila National Forest (NM) – Black Fire & Trout Fire Recovery

These projects support large-scale reforestation and ecosystem restoration, improving biodiversity and strengthening forest health.

🐦 Great Lakes Region & Wildlife Habitat Restoration

• Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (WI) – Tree Planting
• Hiawatha National Forest (MI) – Jack Pine Planting / Habitat Work
• Huron-Manistee National Forests (MI) – Kirtland’s Warbler Habitat Restoration
• Superior National Forest (MN) – Tree Planting
• Ottawa National Forest (MI) – Wildlife Habitat Restoration

These projects are especially important for restoring critical wildlife habitat through tree stand improvement, including species like the endangered Kirtland’s warbler.

🌿 California & Western Reforestation

• Mendocino National Forest (CA) – Northshore / Upper Thomes / Tehama
  
• Sawtooth National Forest (ID) – Wildfire Recovery, Bald Mountain
• Boise National Forest (ID) – 2024 Wildfire Recovery

These projects focus on wildfire recovery and watershed protection, restoring burned forests that play a vital role in water systems and biodiversity.

🌱 The Impact of the 2026 Program

Across all projects, A Living Tribute's 2026 Forest Friends contributions will support:

• 🌲 Over 50,000 trees planted nationwide
• 🔥 Restoration of wildfire-impacted landscapes
• 🐦 Critical wildlife habitat recovery
• 💧 Protection of watersheds and ecosystems
• 🌎 Long-term carbon sequestration and climate resilience

Each memorial tree purchased contributes directly to these efforts—turning remembrance into real environmental impact.

💚 Honor a Life. Restore a Forest.

When you choose our Forest Friends memorial tree gift, you’re not just planting trees—you’re helping restore entire forests across North America.

Your tribute becomes part of something bigger:

A living legacy that grows, heals, and gives back to the planet for generations to come.