The National Wildlife Federation works closely with partners across the United States to:
Create healthy and native wildlife habitats;
Educate youth and adults about the benefits of trees;
Amplify the importance of tree equity;
Increase urban canopy access; and
Uplift community centered habitat restoration in urban and rural areas.
Below is a list of NWF-sponsored programs that empower youth, engage communities, and promote forest restoration and habitat creation nationwide. Follow the links to learn more!
Broward Habitat Connectivity Project
NWF has worked closely for many years with dozens of towns and cities across Broward County, Florida. This work focuses on equitably engaging residents to learn about and plant native trees and habitats throughout their neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Learn more about NWF’s urban canopy and tree equity work in Broward.
Southeast Forestry Program
NWF’s Southeast Forestry program exemplifies the Federation’s commitment toward restoring forested habitat with community leaders paving the way. Since 2009, NWF and its partners have successfully restored over 1 million acres of these longleaf pine ecosystems. Learn more about the Hoke County Community Forest and NWF’s work to restore longleaf pine forests with Black landowners in the Southeast.
EcoSchools U.S.
EcoSchools U.S. offers a certification program for elementary through secondary schools that nurtures environmental learning and climate action. Educators and students complete eco-“action cards” that are designed to be flexible and adaptable to all curricula types to ensure all schools across the United States can pursue certification. For example, the LEAF Learning about Ecosystems and Forests Action Card includes hands-on field experiences related to forests and their functions. Check out EcoSchools U.S. action cards for more information on efforts to educate young people about forest biodiversity and schoolyard canopy.
Earth Tomorrow
Earth Tomorrow creates opportunities for youth in frontline communities nationally to deepen their understanding of environmental issues and address environmental injustices. The program cultivates a new generation of lifetime environmental stewards through a year-long cycle of leadership training, issues exploration, civic engagement, career development, community outreach and education, and student-led community action projects. Recently, Earth Tomorrow youth have participated in trail-building activities and also engaged in service projects at a local Urban Forest.
EcoLeaders
NWF’s EcoLeaders Community offers a space where high school, college students, young professionals and youth advocates can connect with other environmental leaders and earn recognition for their leadership. EcoLeaders features a resource library on environmental areas including: habitat conservation, climate adaption and more, as well as project planning tools to support sustainability projects. Read NWF’s guide, The Campus Wild (Section 2: Trees and Woody Plants) to learn about tree management on campus and the carbon sequestration value of trees on and off campus. EcoLeaders also features a Career Center, watch the video Urban Planning Careers Panel featuring Eboni Hall, Director of Career Exploration & Development at American Forests. The Career Center features information on career sectors, including habit and wildlife, and resources to assist young leaders in exploring and mapping out their career paths.
