Chestnut Carbon Mid-Season Update: Scaling Impact Across the Southeast
February 5, 2026
As we reach the halfway point of Chestnut Carbon’s fourth afforestation planting season, we’re excited to share a major update: we are on track to double our sustainable forest restoration footprint in 2026.
By restoring forests across the Southeast U.S., we are not only creating durable carbon removal—we’re also generating meaningful co-benefits for local ecosystems and communities.
Mid-Season Impact Snapshot
So far, Chestnut has planted across seven states, bringing environmental and economic value to landscapes in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.
Our teams—and the communities and partners we work with—have helped us reach these milestones:
- 18,600+ acres restored
- 8.7 million+ trees planted
- 19 native hardwood and softwood species established, including Loblolly pine, Shortleaf pine, Water hickory, Sweetgum, Pecan, American sycamore, and Bald cypress
- 100+ professional planters deployed across nine dedicated crews
Species Spotlight: Shortleaf Pine
This season marks an exciting first for Chestnut Carbon: the introduction of shortleaf pine into our species mix.
Native to northern Arkansas, shortleaf pine is known for its adaptability, fire tolerance, and high ecological value. It thrives particularly well in the Barling and Spadra soil series found across Yell County—areas where Chestnut is actively restoring thousands of acres to natural forests.
8,000 shortleaf pine seedlings have been planted at Donnell Ranch in Yell County and additional shortleaf pine will be planted across three more Chestnut properties once site preparation is complete.
Integrating species uniquely suited to local soil and climate conditions strengthens forest resilience and increases carbon sequestration potential over the long term—supporting our core focus on permanence and additionality.
What’s Next This Season
As we enter the second half of the season, our pace is accelerating. With more acreage underway, new properties breaking ground, and a diverse portfolio of native species prepared for planting, we’re continuing to scale the largest private afforestation initiative in the United States.
Every tree planted represents a long-term investment in climate stability, rural economic development, and landscape restoration.
Learn more about Chestnut’s Sustainable Restoration Project.
WORK WITH US
We are proud to represent carbon development of the highest integrity, providing a quality nature-based carbon removal solution to sustainability-oriented corporations committed to decarbonization and net zero goals. ARR carbon removal credits are available via long-term offtake agreements with negotiated volume, pricing, payment and delivery terms. IFM carbon removal credits are available for both spot purchases and via long-term offtake agreements.
Interested in working with Chestnut?
Reach out today to get the conversation started: Contact | Chestnut Carbon