Conservation / Tree Health

Novel approach aims to increase genetic diversity, efficiency in protecting threatened tree species, benefiting foresters, natural resource organizations, and ultimately the public.

Globally, forest trees are increasingly at risk from habitat destruction, pests and disease, and a changing climate. But the guidelines for effective preservation of a tree species' genetic diversity and adaptive potential have been limited to simple mathematical equations for crop collections from the 1970s, or best guesses based on intuitions.

When your goal is something as important as restoring the American chestnut to the eastern United States, you can’t go it alone. The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) knew this, which is why they have a network of amazing chapters, volunteers, scientists, and also, partner organizations. Through the ArbNet community of arboreta we can work collaboratively as part of a broad network with the common goal of encouraging the planting and conservation of trees.

Planting forests and other activities that harness the power of nature could play a major role in limiting global warming under the 2015 Paris agreement, an international study showed on Monday.

Natural climate solutions, also including protection of carbon-storing peatlands and better management of soils and grasslands, could account for 37% of all actions needed by 2030 under the 195-nation Paris plan, it said.

Combined, the suggested “regreening of the planet” would be equivalent to halting all burning of oil worldwide, it said.