About
History
Our History
1932
American Forest Products Industries begins operations, focusing on fire prevention outreach and support for self-regulation of privately owned forests.
1941
The American Tree Farm System® is founded.
1969
American Forest Products Industries evolves into the American Forest Institute, a forest products industry trade association dedicated to improving the management of America’s forests.
1981
The American Forest Foundation is chartered as the nonprofit arm of the American Forest Institute, tasked with performing its educational, scientific and charitable activities.
1986
The American Forest Institute evolves into the American Forest Council, an education and outreach organization to supplement the lobbying activities of the National Forest Products Association.
1987
The American Forest Foundation becomes a co-sponsor of Project Learning Tree, an environmental education program administered by the American Forest Council.
1993
The American Forest Council aligns with the American Paper Institute to form the American Forest & Paper Association. The American Forest Foundation takes over the administration of Project Learning Tree and the American Tree Farm System.
2008
The American Tree Farm System receives an international endorsement from PEFC, the world’s largest independent, nongovernmental organization that promotes sustainably managed forests through independent third-party certification.
2017
The administration of Project Learning Tree is shifted to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
2018
The American Forest Foundation acquires Woodscamp, an online tool that matches landowners with opportunities and connects them with professional support.
2020
In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the American Forest Foundation launches the pilot of the Family Forest Carbon Program in Pennsylvania.