Bottomland hardwood forests are floodplain forests that are periodically inundated or saturated during the growing season. These forests are critically important to biodiversity, wildlife, carbon storage, recreation, and clean water in the South.

Unfortunately, they are exceptionally threatened by narrowly-focused forest management, land conversation, invasive species, rising temperatures, more frequent intense storms, and altered hydrology.

Responsible forest management of bottomland forests can be done in ways that maintain or enhance their ecological integrity, while simultaneously generating income and supplying wood products. The Guild is working to define and communicate a model of ecological forestry for bottomland hardwood forests.  

Partnerships, like the Wetland Forest Initiative, are crucial to expanding and deepening our positive impact. Getting into the field with colleagues is essential to learning and improving our management and conservation. The Guild is spreading our vision of ecological forestry in bottomlands through learning exchanges, field trips, the creation of demonstration sites, and boots-on-the-ground action. Our work aims to inspire and empower practitioners and landowners in the region to understand ecological impacts, conservation opportunities, and management techniques.