Title: An overview of African Americans' historical, religious, and spiritual ties to forests

Author: Leatherberry, Earl C.

Year: 2000

Publication: In: Proceedings of the Society of American Foresters 1999 national convention; 1999 September 11-15; Portland, OR. SAF Publication 00-1. Bethesda, MD: Society of American Foresters: 452-457. 2000

Abstract: Forests have played a significant role in the development of American culture values. Research has consistently demonstrated that a wide range of benefits accrues to people from contact with natural environments such as forest. Governmnetal agencies provide access to forest and support various forestry programs. It is generally known that African Americans are underrepresented in forestry and forest-related activities. However, African Americans have historical ties to forest that are not well understood by natural resources professionals.