The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
How We Work
Forests
The Role of Forests
Forests, quite simply, help sustain all life on Earth.
Forests and their abundance of life give us fuel, food, fiber, and fresh water. They even help to moderate our global climate. They are essential to the health and quality of life of people and nature everywhere. Learn more about The Role of Forests.
Our Strategies
There are many threats to forests.
Nearly half of the world's forest cover is gone, and much of what remains is in trouble:
- Diseases and insects are slowly killing entire species of trees;
- Illegal logging impoverishes local people and communities and destroys vital wildlife habitat; and
- Woods have become tinderboxes for destructive fires because the natural fire regime has been altered.
See what we're doing to combat these threats to forests.
Sustaining Forest Ecosystems and Economics
We work with corporations, governments, landowners and communities to protect, restore and manage the world’s forests.
The best way to combat an invasive species? Prevent it from ever occurring in the first place. See how we're working to prevent invasive species.
Maintaining Fire's Natural Role
Fire, like rain and sunshine, has been an important part of our environment for millions of years, shaping the very nature of life on earth. We work to restore the natural role of fire in our landscapes.
Reviving a Small Community through Logging
By logging small-diameter trees, Hayfork, CA, is bringing their town back to life.
Restoring Habitat in Mexico Through Prescribed Burns
See a prescribed burn in Rancho Los Fresnos in action!
See the gruesome effects this invasive insect is having on Ash trees around the U.S.
Take a humorous look at this invasive beetle in our award-winning video.
The Benefits of Prescribed Fire
The Nature Conservancy supports the use of controlled burning to manage landscapes that have adapted over millennia to periodic fire.
Biofuels: A Danger to Native Ecosystems?
Could biofuels become invasive species? A report co-authored by Conservancy scientists says it's already happening. Read their recommendations and learn more about this potential threat.
Ways of Giving
Help The Nature Conservancy make a difference in preserving forests around the world.
Newsroom
Read about The Nature Conservancy's work to protect forests around the world.
Read More
We need to act now, before it's too late. Watch the Video, Take Action
We're addressing Latin America's most pressing conservation issues. Read the Story
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Donate to The Nature Conservancy
When you donate today, you’ll help The Nature Conservancy protect the most vital habitats on Earth.