- Life Time Foundation extends a $300,000 grant to American Forests for reforestation in Stanislaus National Forest.
- The initiative will support the planting of over 100,000 climate-resilient trees in 2025.
- The project aims to restore areas damaged by the 2013 Rim Fire and improve local ecosystems.
In a significant move towards environmental restoration, Life Time Foundation has announced a $300,000 grant to American Forests. The funding is directed towards reforestation efforts in California's Stanislaus National Forest, which suffered extensive damage from the 2013 Rim Fire. This initiative, set to plant over 100,000 climate-resilient trees in 2025, marks a substantial step in restoring the burned landscape and improving the Tuolumne River Watershed.
The 2013 Rim Fire charred more than 257,000 acres, making natural regeneration impossible in many areas due to the fire's intensity. The reforestation project funded by Life Time Foundation will focus on stabilizing soils, improving water quality, and creating habitats for native wildlife. This is pivotal for the ecosystem considering the watershed's crucial role in supplying water to surrounding communities.
American Forests will lead the project with a science-backed approach. This comprehensive effort includes seed collection, project planning and oversight, post-planting monitoring, and investments in nursery capacity to ensure the optimal placement and survival of the trees.
"Tackling the issue of destructive wildfires involves more than just fire response or suppression," stated Ben Rushakoff, Senior Director of Reforestation Partnerships and Innovation at American Forests. "It's about actively managing landscapes, creating fire-resilient or fire-ready communities, and restoring landscapes post-fire."
Life Time Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Life Time, Inc. (LTH, Financial), is dedicated to fostering a healthy planet and works closely with organizations sharing a common vision. This partnership with American Forests underscores their commitment to environmental conservation and the broader goal of delivering essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife.
