NFWF Announces Support of the Life Time Foundation to Conserve Forests and Wildlife Habitat, Increase Access to Nature

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 7, 2023) – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced that the Life Time Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by Life Time, Inc., will provide a $1 million grant to support the permanent conservation of approximately 100,000 acres of North American forest to benefit the environment, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, climate resilience and public access and recreation. 

In collaboration with the Acres for America Program, the Life Time Foundation will support NFWF grants to qualified implementation partners who permanently protect forests. This effort is part of Life Time’s long-standing ‘Healthy People, Healthy Planet’ mission and will impact two projects designed to protect intact forests in Maine and Michigan, while also benefitting wildlife habitat of national significance:

• A conservation easement of more than 73,000 acres of vast forest, cold-water lakes, trout streams and wetlands in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Michigamme Highlands. Led by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the project will ensure sustainable forest management, offer full public recreational access, and protect and improve habitat for moose, white-tailed deer, brook trout and dozens of migratory songbird species. The property also adjoins the federal McCormick Wilderness and Craig Lake State Park, and will permanently protect Michigan’s highest peak, Mount Arvon.
• Trust for Public Land and the Penobscot Nation announced an effort to protect more than 31,000 acres of forestland in the Katahdin Region of Maine. Most of the land will be returned to the Penobscot Nation in the heart of their ancestral homelands. The project will also create much needed public access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, enhance local outdoor recreation opportunities, and provide cultural and economic benefits to Tribal members and surrounding towns.

“We are pleased to join forces with NFWF to support the permanent conservation of these large, biodiverse forests with the primary objective of helping combat climate change,” said Life Time Founder, Chairman and CEO, Bahram Akradi. “Protecting our remaining forests and engaging in reforestation efforts are the best, most immediate strategies we have to address the tremendous challenge of rapidly rising carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Doing so can help restore our planet's natural beauty and provide a sustainable future for generations to come.”

“This collaboration with the Life Time Foundation supports NFWF’s continued efforts to carry out large-scale, permanent conservation efforts for the benefit of the environment, habitat protection and public enjoyment,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “The projects will address the risk of land conversion and landscape fragmentation that is an ongoing threat to forests across the country.” 

About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,000 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of $8.1 billion. NFWF is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at nfwf.org. 

About the Life Time Foundation 
The Life Time Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit created by Life Time, Inc. is dedicated to inspiring Healthy People, a Healthy Planet, and a Healthy Way of Life. Through financial grants and direct action, we support Youth Nutrition by helping schools serve wholesome, nourishing, minimally processed food to students; Youth Movement by championing physical activity programs that get children moving and excited to do so for life; and a Healthy Planet by supporting forestation and conservation initiatives, so everyone can live healthy, happy lives. For more information, visit www.ltfoundation.org.

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Contact:

Rob Blumenthal, 202-857-0166, Rob.Blumenthal@nfwf.org