Healthy Forests = Clean Water
We are working to explore ecosystem services market structures to pay forest landowners for providing clean, abundant water supplies. You are invited to attend a virtual forum in one of four priority watersheds to provide feedback and perceptions on the potential market structures.
Learn more and register for an upcoming virtual forum near you!
Forestry Matters
In Georgia, privately-owned, working forests cover two-thirds of the state at more than 22 million acres. These forests are managed by private landowners who steward the economic and environmental benefits provided to all Georgia citizens.
17 billion
m³ avoided water runoff
18 million
tons of carbon absorbed
147,000+
jobs provided
Latest News & Information
Stay informed on the latest projects and initiatives of the Georgia Forestry Foundation.
Learn Forestry Career Skills!
Check out our new online game designed to help high school students learn about the forestry industry and career employability skills, including hiring personnel, solving industry-related problems, and making sound business decisions. Learn More!
Support Working Forests Every Mile
You can now show your love for working forests with the Georgia Forestry Foundation license plate. For each plate that is purchased, the Foundation receives $20. Learn more and get your plate today!
Sustainably Managed, Working Forests
When most people think about forests, they picture shady groves or state parks. But in Georgia, it's working forests that cover the majority of the land area in the state. These forests are planted, harvested and replanted, providing millions of Georgians with resources they depend on every day.
Mission & Vision
Covering two-thirds of Georgia, working forests are a vital part of our economic, environmental and cultural ecosystem. That’s why we’re focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability of Georgia’s forests by reconnecting youth and adults to the land and by demonstrating working forests’ environmental, educational and economic importance to our state.
Connecting Georgia to its Roots
Georgia Forestry Foundation’s focus is to conserve our working forests and their benefits while providing educational opportunities to Georgia students and delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits throughout the state.
Leaders & Collaborators
Protecting forestry in Georgia isn’t just the mission of our organization. It’s a responsibility we share with our ecosystem of advocates and supporters.
Leadership
The leaders who champion our mission every day.
Andres Villegas
President & CEO
andres@gfagrow.org
Robert Farris
Ecosystem Services Program Manager
farris@gffgrow.org
Matt Hestad
Media & Communications
matt@gfagrow.org
Jo Hodges
Development Director
jo@gffgrow.org
Amanda Rollins
Education & Outreach Coordinator
amanda@gffgrow.org
Board of Trustees
The day-to-day leaders and trusted advisors who are stewarding our growth.
Ken Stewart
Chairman
Georgia Institute of Technology (Retired)
Dr. Johnny Bembry
Landowner
Mac Peden
Landowner
Lee Rhodes
Rhodes Land & Timber
Tiffanie Starr
Timberland Investment Resources
Wesley Langdale
Vice Chairman
Landowner
Dr. Lindsay Boring
J.W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway (Retired)
Jon Harris
AgSouth Farm Credit
Robert Pollard
Pollard Lumber Company
Ben Vaughn
Attorney
Jimmy Allen
Treasurer
Pike Creek Turf Farms, Inc.
Lee Dickey
Dickey Farms
John Mulcahy
Georgia-Pacific
Cliff Pyron
Georgia Ports Authority
Todd Mullis
Forest Resource Consultants
Partners
Organizations who support our mission of connecting Georgia to its roots.













