Life Time Foundation Expands Support of American Forests

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Life Time Foundation has announced a $300,000 grant to American Forests for reforestation efforts in California's Stanislaus National Forest. The initiative will fund the planting of over 100,000 climate-resilient trees in 2025 to restore areas damaged by the 2013 Rim Fire, which burned more than 257,000 acres and severely impacted the Tuolumne River Watershed.

The project focuses on stabilizing soils, improving water quality, and creating wildlife habitats in areas where natural regeneration was impossible due to the fire's intensity. American Forests will implement a science-backed approach including seed collection, project planning, post-planting monitoring, and nursery capacity investments to ensure optimal tree placement and survival.

New grant enables planting of more than 100,000 trees

CHANHASSEN, Minn., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Earth Month and its ongoing commitment to conservation, reforestation and protecting the planet, the Life Time Foundation has provided a $300,000 grant to American Forests to support the reforestation of the Rim Fire burn scar in California's Stanislaus National Forest, just west of Yosemite National Park.

The grant will fund the planting of more than 100,000 climate-resilient trees this year to help stabilize soils, improve water quality and create habitats for native wildlife. The 2013 Rim Fire was one of the largest wildfires in the Sierra Nevada in the past two decades, burning more than 257,000 acres and severely damaging the Tuolumne River Watershed—a critical source of water for surrounding communities. The fire's intensity left behind a landscape so scorched that natural regeneration was impossible in many areas.

"Tackling the issue of destructive wildfires involves more than just fire response or suppression," said Ben Rushakoff, Senior Director of Reforestation Partnerships and Innovation at American Forests. "It's about actively managing landscapes, creating fire-resilient or fire-ready communities, and restoring landscapes post-fire. We are thrilled to partner with the Life Time Foundation and other value-aligned companies where our missions are shared."

American Forests brings a science-backed, holistic approach to post-fire restoration. The Life Time Foundation grant will support the full reforestation ecosystem, including seed collection, project planning and oversight, post-planting monitoring, and investments in nursery capacity to ensure the right trees are planted in the right places, using the best seed and science available.

"The environmental challenges we face today require immediate solutions and action," said Sarah Emola, Director of ESG Programs and the Life Time Foundation. "We greatly value our work and relationship with American Forests in support of our commitment to healthy planet initiatives."

From local greenspace initiatives to broader forestation programs, the Life Time Foundation is committed to fostering a healthy planet and working with nonprofit organizations that share its vision, providing more opportunities for people to learn about the environment, reconnect with nature, and improve the health of the world future generations inherit.

For more information or to support the Life Time Foundation mission, click here.

About the Life Time Foundation

The Life Time Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit created by Life Time, Inc. (NYSE: LTH) is dedicated to inspiring Healthy People, a Healthy Planet, and a Healthy Way of Life. Through financial grants and direct action, we support Youth Nutrition by helping schools serve wholesome, nourishing, minimally processed food to students; Youth Movement by championing physical movement programs that get children active and excited to move for life; and a Healthy Planet by supporting forestation and conservation initiatives, so everyone can live healthy, happy lives. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.ltfoundation.org.

About American Forests
American Forests is the first national nonprofit conservation organization created in the U.S. Since its founding in 1875, the organization has been the pathfinders for the forest conservation movement. Its mission is to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. The organization advances its mission through forestry, innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. For more information visit: https://www.americanforests.org/.   

 

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SOURCE Life Time Foundation

FAQ

How many trees will Life Time Foundation's $300,000 grant to American Forests plant?

The grant will fund the planting of more than 100,000 climate-resilient trees in 2025.

What is the purpose of Life Time Foundation's reforestation project in Stanislaus National Forest?

The project aims to stabilize soils, improve water quality, and create habitats for native wildlife in areas damaged by the 2013 Rim Fire.

How many acres were affected by the 2013 Rim Fire in Sierra Nevada?

The Rim Fire burned more than 257,000 acres and severely damaged the Tuolumne River Watershed.

What approach will American Forests use for the Life Time Foundation-funded reforestation project?

American Forests will use a science-backed approach including seed collection, project planning, post-planting monitoring, and nursery capacity investments.