Norfolk Southern is furthering its commitment to restoring and preserving natural resources for future generations through a combined donation of $295,000 to American Forests and the Forest Landowners Foundation.  

“Our roots in sustainability run deep,” said Norfolk Southern Chief Sustainability Officer Josh Raglin. “As forest landowners for almost 200 years, we understand and appreciate the many environmental and health benefits trees – and particularly forests – provide and we are excited to support the work of both organizations to ensure these benefits remain for future generations.”  

The $250,000 donation to American Forests is in support of the Detroit Tree Equity Partnership, a new initiative dedicated to expanding access to the health, environmental, and economic benefits that urban forests provide. The five-year pilot phase of the project, funded in-part by the grant, aims to plant more than 75,000 trees, employ more than 300 Detroit residents in tree care and maintenance jobs, and invest $30 million in Detroit neighborhoods including two near our Oakwood Yard. 

 “Trees are valuable assets that contribute to the social, public health and economic vitality of Detroit and every city in which they’re found. Norfolk Southern’s support represents an important investment in Detroit’s revitalization,” said Eric Candela, Director of Local Government Relations for American Forests. 

The $45,000 donation to the Forest Landowners Foundation continues NS’s longtime commitment to forest conservation and management. A portion of the funds will support a first-of-its-kind public web platform that will enhance visibility into wood-supply sourcing and be targeted directly to wood-fiber users and ESG influencers. Forestry and the larger agriculture community is the backbone of many rural economies. They also represent around 10% of Norfolk Southern’s annual shipments.  

“Norfolk Southern’s long history in forestry as both a consumer and transporter of forest products makes them acutely aware of the role forest landowners play in sustaining working forests that enhance the natural environment and help mitigate climate change,” said Forest Landowners Foundation Executive Director Melinda Gable. “We are excited to continue this partnership to help provide marketplace confidence in the sustainability of working forests –identifying where wood fiber is sourced and demonstrating the symbiotic relationship of forest utilization with healthy ecosystems, rural economies and keeping land in forest use.”

Forests are foundational to our everyday life, from capturing and storing carbon, cleaning and storing water, and providing habitat for wildlife. Since its inception, American Forests has funded more than 1,000 forest restoration projects, planted 70 million trees, and helped expand tree canopy in dozens of major cities. The focus of the Forest Landowners Foundation is researching and providing data, messaging, and awareness about private forests and their owners to ensure strong markets, healthy forests, and generational transfer.  

“These organizations are tireless advocates and important voices for promoting forestry management and preservation,” said Norfolk Southern Director of Corporate Giving Kristin Wong. “It was a natural fit to partner together and help to ensure healthy forests and create resilient communities.”  

The recent investments made to both organizations reflect Norfolk Southern’s continued commitment to conserving natural resources, uplifting communities, and creating economic opportunities to build a better planet.