From Mine Lands to Forests
TNC is reforesting former mine lands in Kentucky to create wildlife habitat, contribute to climate resiliency, and bolster a critical migratory corridor through the Central Appalachian Mountains.
Forging a Greener Future: Global Spirits Company and Conservation Leaders Continue Alliance to Plant 8,000 Trees for a Sustainable Future
Green Forests Work, Suntory Global Spirits, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are teaming up to reforest a former mine site in Hazard, Kentucky.
Media Contacts
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Chelsea Bowers
Media Relations Manager
The Nature Conservancy
Phone: (804) 728-0588
Email: chelsea.bowers@tnc.org
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Continuing a four-year collaboration dedicated to enhancing environmental sustainability, Green Forests Work, Suntory Global Spirits, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are joining forces to reforest a former mine site in Hazard, Kentucky. This annual tree planting event underscores each organization’s strong commitment to restoring Kentucky’s natural habitats and fostering healthy environments for sustainable communities around the world.
"This partnership has brought tremendous conservation outcomes for our state. The events hosted by Suntory Global Spirits highlight the Appalachian region's essential role in our world—both for nature and the vibrant communities that call it home. The employees' and volunteers' dedication and passion have made a profound impact, resulting in planting over 300 acres and 214,000 trees on TNC’s Cumberland Forest property in just three years,” said Chris Garland, Central Appalachians Director at TNC. “Through our collaboration with Green Forests Work, we've expanded our reach across Kentucky, now exceeding 400 acres and 315,000 trees planted. Together, we are not just cultivating forests; we are nurturing a legacy that will support conservation, wildlife, and the heart of this region for generations to come. I am truly grateful for our exceptional partners in this mission."
Quote: Chris Garland
Through our collaboration with Green Forests Work, we've expanded our reach across Kentucky, now exceeding 400 acres and 315,000 trees planted.
Central Appalachians Director at TNC
To reinforce that commitment, on April 10, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 100 volunteers from Suntory Global Spirits, along with leaders from Green Forests Work and The Nature Conservancy, will plant 8,000 white oak tree seedlings across 10 acres of the Kentucky River Properties (KRP) site in Knott County. This initiative not only aims to revitalize the natural landscape of the prominent Appalachian Mountains of Hazard, Kentucky, but will also reinforce key components needed for a healthy ecosystem like carbon sequestration, improved air quality, and restored wildlife habitats in the expansive area.
“Our premium spirits are made with agricultural ingredients, such as grains and agave, and we rely on healthy forests and White Oak trees for the barrels that age our spirits,” said Kim Marotta, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer and Head of Enterprise Risk Management at Suntory Global Spirits. "Given the significant role White Oak plays in our bourbon barrels, we’re committed to their regeneration and have set an ambitious goal of planting half a million trees by 2030. Kentucky is the heartland of our business, so we are very proud to continue supporting this annual event, along with our partners, as we work to accelerate our positive impact in our local communities.”
“Green Forests Work is proud to partner with Suntory Global Spirits, the Arbor Day Foundation, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and other partners to restore native forests throughout the region,” said Michael French, Director of Green Forests Work. “By working together to restore healthy ecosystems on lands impacted by mining, we're improving the environment for wildlife and future generations and creating economic and recreational opportunities for local communities. By working collaboratively, we're able to reforest more land for even greater conservation outcomes.”
Tree planting
A volunteer plants a tree on a former mine land.
© Mike Wilkinson
Tree Planting
Volunteers from Beam Suntory join Green Forests Work and TNC to reforest a former mine site in eastern Kentucky.
© Mike Wilkinson
About Green Forests Work
Green Forests Work (GFW) was established with the mission of reestablishing healthy and productive forests on formerly mined lands in Appalachia. This is achieved by converting reclaimed, non-native grasslands and shrublands into vibrant, productive forestland. The vision is to create renewable and sustainable multi-use resources that provide economic opportunities while enhancing the local and global environment. In collaboration with funders, conservation partners, contractors, volunteers, and supporters, GFW has planted over seven million trees across more than 11,000 acres in the Appalachian region and beyond. To learn more, please visit greenforestswork.org, or follow us on GFW Facebook and GFW Instagram.
About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers, and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky, visit nature.org/kentucky50.
More About Our Work in Kentucky
Delivering meaningful solutions for people and nature locally and making significant contributions to TNC’s 2030 goals.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.