SFI BLOG

A recent grant to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is bearing fruit in West Virginia. Or rather, birds. With the aid of the grant, SFI is working with federal, state, private, university, and non-governmental organizations with a shared goal of researching best practices that benefit bird species, especially three at-risk bird species: the golden-winged warbler, the cerulean warbler, and the wood thrush.

The theme of this year’s National Forest Week (September 18–24, 2022), “Canada’s Forests: Solutions for a Changing Climate,” offers a timely reminder of the importance of trees and forests to the nation and the world. At the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), we and our network of partners know forests play a critical role in addressing climate change and storing carbon.

The annual conference’s theme was Collaborating for Communities and Forests, so it’s fitting that the conference also played host to its first SFI Conference Green Mentor cohort. Nineteen young adults were selected from across North America to participate in this four-month mentorship opportunity.

Consumer preferences for paper packaging are strengthening the circular economy, said Michael P. Doss, president and CEO of Graphic Packaging International, in his keynote address at the 2022 SFI Annual Conference in June.

Randy Moore, Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, discusses partnering with SFI on climate change, wildfire risk, and sustaining healthy, resilient landscapes for generations to come.

There is no question that wildfires in the western US are larger and more intense than in recorded history. As of August 1 this year, 60,000 wildfires have burned more than 7.1 million acres in the US, according to the National Interagency Fire Center—the vast majority in the West. These figures far exceed the 10-year, to-date average of 33,906 fires and 3.55 million acres. And there is no argument that this trend is likely to continue due to climate change, drought, a decline in forest health, overstocking of stands, and other factors.

Over 350 people from the SFI and PLT networks gathered for a week filled with learning and discussion opportunities on the most pressing issues and challenges facing people and the planet, and how forests and environmental education can provide solutions.

Jacob Handel, who recently joined SFI as Senior Director, Indigenous Relations, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in engaging with Indigenous people and groups to the Indigenous Relations Team. Handel has more than 20 years of experience in the environmental field, Indigenous and stakeholder engagement, strategy development, regulatory processes, and negotiation. Prior to joining SFI, he was an Aboriginal Affairs Advisor at a leading Canadian paper and forest products manufacturing company. His past experience also includes working for governments, the energy sector, and nonprofits.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Project Learning Tree (PLT) will host their first ever joint annual conference from June 14-16, in Madison, Wisconsin. With a theme of Collaborating for Communities and Forests, the event will be a week filled with learning and opportunities to discuss the most-pressing issues and challenges facing the people and the planet, including how sustainable forest management and environmental education provide effective solutions.

SFI is growing! Get to know our newest employees and what drives them to support our work in Standards, Education, Community, and Conservation.

In the classroom and at home, teaching children about nature can help them develop an appreciation for the environment, as well as the ability to make informed decisions in the face of real-world issues. Explore how an SFI Community Grant helped bring a forest-themed book into the hands of young readers.

Forests are part of a renewable supply chain for products we use every day, reducing our reliance on non-renewable and less sustainable materials like plastic.

For International Women’s Day 2022, SFI, Project Learning Tree (PLT), and PLT Canada, want to help #BreakTheBias. The women who are part of our staff, network of partners, SFI Board and Educational Operating Committee, SFI-certified organizations, and many other facets of our work show the value of SFI’s commitment to gender equality and a diverse and resilient workforce. Building a diverse and resilient workforce is one of the ways SFI celebrates the principles behind International Women’s Day every day.

Celebrate this Black History Month and the months to follow by deepening your learning and elevating the many important contributions of historic and current Black Americans working in forestry and natural resources conservation.