Looking Back: Three Powerful Reforestation Projects That Rebuilt Forests and Habitats

Over the past decade, millions of trees planted for reforestation have taken root across American forests—restoring ecosystems, providing vital habitat for wildlife, and healing landscapes scarred by wildfires, storms, and disease.

In this post, we’re taking a closer look at three major reforestation efforts that have shaped the future of our forests in the Rocky Mountains and Ozark Highlands. From the rugged peaks of Wyoming and Idaho to the resilient oak woodlands of Missouri, these projects highlight the power of renewal through tree planting.

Restoring Whitebark Pines in Shoshone National Forest (2017)

More than 40,000 whitebark pines were planted across 163 acres in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest—part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—as part of year three in a decade-long reforestation effort.

Project Location:
Wind River Ranger District, Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming

Project Significance:
Established in 1891 by President Benjamin Harrison, Shoshone is the oldest national forest in the United States. With elevations ranging from 4,600 to 13,800 feet, it supports over 335 wildlife species, including the largest population of bighorn sheep and some of the last remaining grizzly bears in the contiguous U.S. It was also once a favorite destination of Amelia Earhart and Ernest Hemingway.

Whitebark pines are keystone species—providing food and shelter for wildlife, stabilizing snowpack, and promoting ecosystem recovery after wildfire. However, their populations had been severely impacted by blister rust, mountain pine beetles, and climate stress, with mortality exceeding 80% in parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These threats prompted consideration for listing the whitebark pine under the Endangered Species Act.

In 2013, the Burroughs Creek Fire swept through more than 1,700 acres of forest. Tragically, the fire affected areas that had just been designated as high-priority zones for whitebark restoration the year prior.

This reforestation project contributed to a broader 20-year effort to restore whitebark pine using science-based strategies, including planting genetically resilient trees and mapping mortality across the region. It marked a significant step toward ecological renewal in one of America’s most iconic wild landscapes.

Restoring Forest Diversity in Idaho (2017)

In a major step toward long-term forest recovery, 21,640 trees were planted across 60 acres in the North Fork region of the Coeur D’Alene River Ranger District—part of Idaho’s Coeur D’Alene National Forest. This reforestation project played a key role in restoring tree species diversity and building ecological resilience in an area deeply impacted by wildfire, pests, and disease.

Project Location:
North Fork of the Coeur D’Alene River, Coeur D’Alene National Forest, Idaho

Background & Importance:
In 2015, the Grizzly Complex Fire tore through more than 30,000 acres of forestland. The severity of the fire was fueled by a combination of factors: decades of damage from mountain pine beetles and blister rust, as well as reduced species diversity that left the landscape more vulnerable to wildfire.

Historically, white pine had been a cornerstone of the local ecosystem—providing essential food and habitat for native wildlife. But during the mid-20th century, blister rust and pine beetle infestations wiped out most of the mature white pine stands along the Coeur D’Alene River. In their absence, grand fir and western hemlock became dominant—species that are shallow-rooted, susceptible to fungal disease, and highly vulnerable to fire due to their thin bark.

Recognizing the ecological importance of white pine, restoration efforts in recent years focused on planting disease-resistant varieties. Early trials showed promising results, but a prolonged drought increased the region’s fire risk—ultimately contributing to the scale and intensity of the Grizzly Complex Fire.

This planting initiative marked the first year of a multi-phase reforestation effort within the Idaho Panhandle. The 2019 phase alone introduced 6,500 Engelmann spruce, 6,500 western larch, and 8,640 blister-rust-resistant western white pines. Each tree planted helped reestablish balance in a recovering landscape—laying the foundation for a more diverse, fire-resilient forest for generations to come.

Restoring the Oak Woodlands of Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest (2017)

Over 400,000 trees were planted across 1,353 acres of Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest in a large-scale reforestation effort aimed at restoring native oak woodlands and strengthening long-term forest resilience.

Project Location:
Salem Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

Project Overview:
Spanning more than 1.5 million acres across 29 counties, Mark Twain National Forest is a diverse and ecologically important landscape. Home to black bears, wild boar, 200 fish species, and more than 300 unique bird species, it also shelters 46 types of snakes and contains multiple protected wilderness areas. The forest serves as both a vital habitat and a recreational keystone for the state of Missouri.

The forest is primarily dominated by oak species, which are native, fire-adapted trees that support the local ecosystem. However, decades of fire suppression had left the forest with a dense, mature canopy—and little to no regeneration underneath. Without the benefit of periodic burns to rejuvenate the understory, the oak stands lacked the saplings needed to naturally replace older trees as they aged out.

In 2009, a powerful wind event known as the “Super Derecho” swept through the region. With micro-gusts exceeding 90 miles per hour, the storm leveled large swaths of the forest. While some ecosystems are capable of rebounding from such damage, the absence of an established understory meant that many areas struggled to recover—even eight years after the event.

This reforestation project took a new approach. Instead of relying solely on planting nursery-grown seedlings, proven land management practices were used to stimulate natural oak regeneration—encouraging the forest to heal itself through sprouting and seeding processes. The goal was to restore the forest’s ability to self-sustain while reestablishing habitat across more than 1,350 acres.

By combining active planting with nature’s own recovery mechanisms, this effort helped breathe new life into one of Missouri’s most treasured woodlands.

🌿 Help Grow the Next Chapter

These reforestation projects are powerful reminders of what’s possible when we come together to restore and protect our natural world. Every tree planted tells a story—of resilience, remembrance, and renewal.

When you dedicate a memorial or tribute tree, you’re not just honoring someone—you’re helping restore forests like these for future generations to enjoy. Whether it’s in memory of a loved one or as a gift that gives back, your support helps keep these efforts growing strong.