Green Forests Work

Decades of collaboration. One essential resource. 🌲

A new open-access book highlights the science and partnerships driving red spruce restoration across the central and southern Appalachians.

With contributions from 40+ authors, this book captures the knowledge, progress, and shared commitment behind restoring these iconic high-elevation forests.

Read the press release below and access the free book here:
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-19616-3

New book helps guide conservation professionals in restoring red spruce to Appalachian forests "Ecology and Restoration of Red Spruce Ecosystems of the Central and Southern Appalachians" is now available for free download through Springer Press.

Green Forests Work, Kentucky River Properties, Blackhawk Mining, the University of Kentucky, and many partners from the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative celebrated Arbor Day by planting 2,800 native trees on a former coal mine in Perry County, Kentucky, on Friday, April 17, 2026.

As part of the Flooding in Appalachian Streams and Headwaters (FLASH) Initiative, University of Kentucky researchers and extension specialists engaged students from Breathitt County Middle School in the event to demonstrate the connection between trees and the hydrological cycle. Reforestation of lands reclaimed from grasslands is one potential solution to mitigate flooding in headwater streams affected by mining activities.

In addition to the 60 students from Breathitt County, students from the June Buchanan School, Letcher County High School, the University of Kentucky’s Honor College, and a group of middle school students from Washington, D.C., participated in the event. An excellent day to celebrate nature and our forests.