Governments are taking a gamble on biomass with our money. They’ve handed out billions of taxpayer dollars to biomass producers. The US is considering even more biomass subsidies as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn why governments should stop betting on big biomass.

It’s hard to escape the belief that you must be productive all the time. Especially in cultures that associate an individual’s value with what they do. But just like our devices, human beings need to recharge. This year, we encourage you to embrace rest. We are not our best selves when we’re exhausted. When we’re burnt out we can’t show up for our communities or ourselves. We’ve got to make a resolution to rest.

Many trees don’t get the chance to reach their full potential due to human activity. But did you know there are trees that are hundreds and even thousands of years old in the Southern US? These ancient trees play a vital role in the environment. They hold unique historical and cultural significance. Old trees have so much to teach us if we’re willing to learn.

President Biden recently issued an Executive Order to conserve old growth forests. The US Forest Service announced they will amend their forest management plans nationwide to comply. This includes their plans for the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forests. The existing plan opens 100,000 acres of old growth forest to commercial logging. Due to extensive logging, the Southern US has very little old growth left. We must protect the old growth in Pisgah-Nantahala National Forests. Tell the Forest Service old growth forests should never be open to logging. We need to protect mature forests on public and private lands. You have until Feb. 2 at 11:59 PM to submit public comments through the Forest Service portal. Take action today.

Would you like to join an organization that protects the unique forests and communities of the US South? Dogwood Alliance is hiring! We have two full-time, remote positions available. Check out our Opportunities page to learn more. We hope you’ll apply or share our job openings with your community.

All seven stories from last year’s Woods & Wilds event are available on our podcast. You can now experience the magic at home! Each story reflects the teller’s relationship with nature and the forest. Check out Season 4 of Woods & Wilds: The Podcast on your favorite streaming platform.

Our first Ambassador meeting of the year will be on February 7th at 4PM ET. Whether you are a returning Ambassador or new to the team, we want you to know that YOUR PRESENCE IS IMPORTANT. This meeting is all about inspiration and change. Bring your ideas, enthusiasm, and passion for making a positive impact. This year, we’ll be meeting online the first Wednesday of every month at 4PM ET. We hope you can join us.

We want to build the most powerful, effective movement the world has ever seen. We can’t do it without YOU! What inspires you is important to us. Can you complete a short two question survey? Your answers will ensure we’re sending you the information you care most about.

We’re hosting a community discussion in Demopolis, AL next week. Join us to learn the truth about the wood pellet industry on January 30th at 6PM CT. This in-person event will be held at The Ballroom. Learn more about how the industry is harming your health, the economy, and the environment. If you’ve got any friends in Demopolis, let them know!

The Rachel Carson Council will be hosting a webinar presentation on February 14th at noon ET. They’ll present their findings on greenwashing and the wood pellet industry. Our Georgia Campaign Manager, Dr. Treva Gear, will be a featured speaker. She’ll be representing her organization Concerned Citizens of Cook County. This hour-long webinar will explore the harms of the wood pellet industry.