For most African American and rural landowners, retaining family land is about more than economic impact. Retaining land through effective management is about securing a legacy of holistic generational wealth and resilience for years to come.
The SFLR Network exists to come alongside landowners who are at risk of land loss and to journey with them in seeing their land grow into a viable, dynamic and enriching family asset.
That’s why the SFLR Network exists.
We bring together landowners, local organizations, forestry professionals, policymakers, funders, and partners who share a common interest in preserving land legacies, strengthening working forests and investing in resilient rural communities.
Each member of the network contributes something unique. Together, those contributions create opportunities, solutions, and outcomes that would not be possible in isolation.
Because when one part of the network grows stronger, the benefits extend far beyond any one person or place.
Between 1910 and 1997, there was a 90% decline in African American-owned farmland.
In the early 2000s, African American land ownership is estimated to have dropped from 15-19 million acres in the 1920s to about 2.5 million acres.
African American landowners have lost land at three times the rate of comparable landowners.
Complications with land ownership related to heirs’ property issues disproportionately affect African American families in the U.S. South as heirs’ property accounts for approximately 33% of land owned by African Americans.
The Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention (SFLR) Network in 2012 to address this land loss and to strengthen African American land stewardship—creating a way for landowners to maintain their heritage and build family wealth through forestry.
The impact of our work in stopping African American land loss and growing wealth has been far-reaching. Thousands of landowners across 8 U.S. States have been assisted with land conservation for future generational wealth.
The Regional Forester’s (Region 8) Honor Award for Delivering State and Private Forestry Programs in 2019.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships in 2018.
The Abraham Lincoln Award for protecting natural resources in 2016.
The SFLR Network creates a system of support for African American and rural forest owners that significantly increases the value of forests, land retention, and asset development for rural families in the U.S. South.
Since our inception, the SFLR Network has improved forest management and forest retention by connecting African American landowners with established networks of local forestry support. This includes federal and state government programs, businesses, non-profit conservation, legal, community development organizations.
Our Key Program Areas:
Landowner Technical Assistance & Education
Providing the resources, expertise and opportunities landowners need to protect their land, strengthen its value and secure generational wealth.
Community-Based Leadership & Support
Empowering local organizations through funding and leadership development to provide services that build stronger families and rural communities through education, convening and mentorship.
Policy, Research & Systems Change
Amplifying policies and solutions that expand opportunity and ensure expanded access to the resources necessary for long-term land retention and stewardship.
Storytelling & Cultural Preservation
Preserving and uplifting the stories, histories and lived experiences that connect people to the land and inspire future generations.
Our team is committed to advancing the mission of our dynamic network partners. We would love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, want to get involved, or need more information about our network partners, our team is here to help.
