By Kevin O’Hara
I’ve been leading the 1t.org US Chapter for four years now. Lately we’ve been reflecting on what it really means to steward this platform and what we should be doing for the greatest impact on healthy, resilient forests.
In that time, we’ve planned national summits bringing hundreds of restoration leaders into one room, joined CSOs at GreenBiz, hosted and contributed to solutions-oriented roundtables in San Francisco, DC and Chicago, somehow scored a blue zone badge to COP, and walked what felt like every single block of New York during Climate Week.
Building a network for nature solutions isn’t just happy hours and selfies. It’s listening deeply, learning from people who are far smarter than me, and finding ways to help. It’s spotting where synergies exist, connecting would-be partners, and uncovering where a simple introduction can supercharge a solution.
Forests by the Numbers
•Forests give us clean air and water. More than half of the nation’s drinking water originates in forests, providing a clean, reliable supply. They also filter more than 18 million metric tons of air pollutants each year.
•Forests are our largest carbon sink. U.S. forests offset almost 15% of annual GHG emissions, which is almost 60 billion metric tons of carbon. (U.S. Forest Service)
•Forests help protect us from natural disasters. When properly managed, forests reduce severity and spread of wildfires. And riparian forests can reduce stormwater runoff by up to 80%, preventing flooding and erosion. (USDA NRCS)
•Forests power our economy. Over 1 million Americans work in forestry related industries. And the recreation opportunities provided by forests generate more than $110 billion annually in economic activity. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
•Forests are home to America’s wildlife. They provide habitat for over 80% of U.S. terrestrial wildlife, including some of our nation’s most iconic and beloved species.
Building a Movement
Forests are critical to our future. They’re also labor intensive, slow to grow, and complex. According the Reforestation Hub we have up to 148 million acres of reforestation opportunity in the United States. Large-scale restoration only succeeds when it’s rooted in local communities, economies, and ecosystems. It’s a national challenge that requires local action, and it succeeds when someone glues all pieces.
We need someone to be the glue. That’s where we come in.
Our “rolodex” has grown into what I believe is the largest network for restoration in the U.S. That’s a privilege, but also a responsibility we can’t afford to fumble. Our next chapter is gearing up to transforming from a networking platform to an action platform that more intentionally connects sectors, breaks down silos, and drives real system change. It’s time to level up.
An Invitation to Stand for Forests
This September, we are heading back to Manhattan for Climate Week NYC. We’re hosting the 3rd Annual Forest Restoration Leadership Forum, plus a Forest Party. You can register your interest in attending here!
If you want a seat at the largest table of forest leadership in the country, this is your moment. Because our forests need us to move to action. We need partners who want to support the glue. If you want to help us use our rolodex for good, review our prospectus.
And although it’s never been about the selfies, here’s to all the incredible people I’ve met along this journey so far. Hope to see you at Climate Week!
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