125 Years of History – 1900–2025
Founding and Early History
Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot—a pioneer of American forestry and the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service—the Society of American Foresters (SAF) became the first and largest professional organization for foresters in the United States.
Mission and Vision
- Mission: To advance sustainable forest management and promote the science, education, and practice of forestry.
- Vision: Healthy forests and sustainable natural resources for future generations.
1900s
∞ SAF is founded on November 30th, 1900, by charter members: Gifford Pinchot, Henry S. Graves, Overton Price, Edward T. Allen, William L. Hall, Ralph S. Hosmer, Thomas H. Sherrard.
∞ In June of 1900, Ralph C. Bryant is the first graduate of The College of Forestry at Cornell.
∞ In the fall of 1900, The Yale Forest School is established through an endowment from the Pinchot family.
∞ Gifford Pinchot is elected the first SAF president.
∞ President Theodore Roosevelt addresses the SAF.
∞ The first U.S. conference on forestry education takes place.
1910s
∞ The first SAF section formed in Missoula, Montana.
∞ Proceedings and Forestry Quarterly merge to become the Journal of Forestry.
∞ The first SAF meeting is held in Ithaca, New York.
1920s
∞ The second conference on forestry education is held.
∞ National Association of State Foresters is established.
∞ J.D. Guthrie receives SAF's first paid award for his essay "Public Relations in Forestry."
∞ Ward Sheppard received first paid award for "The Necessity of Realism n Forestry Propaganda."
∞ SAF initiates studies of forestry schools.
1930s
∞ SAF issues its first public position statement on national forestry concerns.
∞ The Division of Education is established.
∞ The Forest Resources Association (FRA) was established as the American Pulpwood Association.
∞ President Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes the first recipient of SAF's Sir William Schlich Award.
∞ SAF advocates for the Forest Service to remain within the Department of Agriculture.
∞ The Wildlife Society is established.
∞ The first preliminary SAF Code of Ethics is introduced.
1940s
∞ Forest Terminology is published.
∞ The first official SAF Code of Ethics is adopted.
∞ The Forest Landowner Association (FLA) is established.
∞ The Smoky Bear Wildfire Prevention Campaign is launched.
∞ The Forest History Society (FHS) is founded as the Forest Products History Foundation of the Minnesota Historical Society.
∞ The Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF) is established.
∞ The Society for Range Management (SRM) is established.
1950s
∞ Gifford Pinchot Medal for Outstanding Service to Forestry is established.
∞ The Nature Conservancy is founded.
∞ Forest Science is first published.
1960s
∞ SAF Endowment Fund is established.
∞ The SAF Endowment Fund is later renamed the Foresters Fund.
∞ SAF establishes student chapters; the first (Alpha Chapter) is formed at Colorado State University.
1970s
∞ SAF becomes a charter member of the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation.
∞ The Northern Journal of Applied Forestry and Western Journal of Applied Forestry are first published.
∞ The Grosvenor Mansion was purchased and converted into the SAF headquarters.
1980s
∞ American Forest Foundation is established.
∞ The Northern Journal of Applied Forestry and Western Journal of Applied Forestry are first published.
∞ The National Association of University Forest Resources Program (NAUFRP) is established.
1990s
∞ The SAF Certified Forester® (CF) program is launched.
∞ The first female SAF president Jane Difley, was elected.
∞ The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is established.
∞ The Forestry Source begins publication and distributed to members.
∞ The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) is established.
2000's
∞ The US Endowment for Forestry and Communities is established.
2010s
∞ SAF joins the North American Forest Partnership.
∞ Student Leadership, and Employer Leadership Awards are established.
∞ ForestEd, SAF's professional development platform, is launched.
∞ SAF announces Terry Baker as CEO.
∞ SAF launches the first College Guide, providing resources about forestry and natural resources programs and careers to high school students.
2020s
∞ SAF Certified Urban and Community Forester Certification (CUCF) is launched.
∞ SAF hosts its first virtual national convention.
∞ Job Corps Conservation Education pilot program begins.
∞ SAF convenes the Mature and Old Growth Summit and releases the accompanying report.
∞ SAF merges with #forestproud.
∞ The first Women's Forest Congress takes place.
∞ SAF Certified Forest Technician is introduced.
∞ SAF launches its first Rising Professional Conference for students and young professionals.
∞SAF becomes the non-profit partner of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative.
∞ SAF Certified Forester Retiree is launched.