Life Time Foundation Expands Support of American Forests
Posted: April 23, 2025 in Chains
Life Time Foundation
CHANHASSEN, MN – 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.
