Winnebago Industries, Inc., and The Nature Conservancy recently announced a new strategic partnership to promote conservation and protect the outdoors. The partnership centers on a land and water impact goal; reforestation as a natural climate solution in Minnesota and the Ocean and Coasts Network’s blue carbon work in Florida.
The reforestation initiative aims to plant trees on previously forested acres throughout Minnesota, Winnebago Industries’ headquarters state. Reforestation is a cost-effective, natural climate solution that provides multiple benefits such as clean water and air, habitat for wildlife, and improved public health as well as the ability to function as a significant carbon store.
“As an outdoors company, we are committed to doing our part to protect the environment,” said Jil Littlejohn Bostick, who leads corporate responsibility and inclusion for Winnebago Industries. “We create stronger, more impactful solutions when we partner with leading organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, whose expertise and advocacy is critical to safeguarding places for all to enjoy.”
The Blue Carbon Initiative, part of The Nature Conservancy’s Ocean and Coast Network, advances wetlands restoration to increase carbon sequestration. This practice maximizes natural ecosystems’ carbon storage potential. The practice also prevents and protects coastline in the Southeastern United States.
The work will be focused on Florida where the Winnebago Industries owned boatbuilder, Chris-Craft, has its manufacturing operations.
“We are grateful for Winnebago Industries partnership in advancing The Nature Conservancy’s reforestation efforts in Minnesota and our Ocean and Coasts Network’s blue carbon work in my home state of Florida and beyond,” said Greg Knecht, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida. “Programs like these are helping The Nature Conservancy ensure we have healthy oceans, freshwater and lands, and tackle carbon emissions.”
