Founded in 1944 by an eclectic group of foresters and outdoor enthusiasts, led by Harris Reynolds, who were concerned about clear-cutting and the destruction of private New England forestlands, the New England Forestry Foundation(NEFF) pursues innovative programs to advance conservation and forestry throughout New England.

Through the application of their core expertise in conserving forestland and advancing Exemplary Forestry, NEFF helps the people of New England sustain their way of life, protect forest wildlife habitat and ecosystem services, and mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Acquiring their first donated forest ,the Lincoln Davis Memorial Forest in New Hampshire, in 1945, NEFF has acquired 141 community forests throughout New England that cover over 26,000 acres.