Chestnut Carbon, a New York-based developer of nature-based carbon removal credits, has completed its third tree-planting season since launching in 2022. The company has now planted more than 17 million trees across 30,000+ acres of previously unused or marginal land in the Southeastern United States.
Chestnut Carbon Grows the Largest Afforestation Project in the U.S.
With a stronghold in states like Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma, the Chestnut Sustainable Restoration Project has already grown to cover over twice the size of Manhattan.
- It is now the largest U.S.-based afforestation project listed on the Gold Standard®
Sarah Ford, Chief Forestry Officer at Chestnut, expressed excitement by noting,
“We’re very pleased to continue the consistent planting and growth of the Chestnut Restoration Project. 30,000 acres planted is a significant step towards our goal of reforesting hundreds of thousands of acres by 2030, and this milestone highlights our commitment to revitalizing underperforming land with a long-term vision for environmental stewardship and community well-being.”
Chestnut’s Sustainable Restoration Project: Snapshot of Land Parcels
Turning Land Into a Carbon Goldmine
Chestnut Carbon began planting trees on unused farmland and pasture to capture and store carbon. The company distinguishes itself with these:
- Land Acquisition: Chestnut has acquired more than 35,000 acres in six U.S. states. These include Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- Gold Standard® Verified Carbon Credits: These credits meet strict quality and integrity standards. This makes them appealing to companies focused on sustainability.
- Chestnut uses special data tools and growth models. These help improve forest development and capture carbon effectively.
- Long-Term Sustainability: The company aims to create lasting, strong forests. These forests do more than store carbon. They also help restore soil, retain water, and protect biodiversity.
Building Native Forests That Last for a Lifetime
They are pioneering a strong focus on creating healthy and long-lasting native forests. Notably, it follows the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards for responsible forest management.
- It’s the first U.S.-based afforestation project to be verified under FSC’s Verified Impact program for Biodiversity Conservation.
By planting various native tree species, Chestnut Carbon is reviving the underused land. These new forests do a lot more than store carbon. They help clean the air and water and provide safe habitats for local wildlife.
The Demand for Nature-Based Carbon Removal is High
Nature-based carbon removal is becoming a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Planting new forests or afforestation and restoring old ones (reforestation) are key parts of this effort. And the market for these carbon credits is growing fast.
According to McKinsey, the demand for voluntary carbon credits could reach 1.5 to 2 gigatons per year by 2030. Nature-based solutions are expected to meet a big part of that demand.
Experts also believe the global carbon credit market could be worth $100 billion by 2030 and grow to $250 billion by 2050. Nature-based projects will play a major role in this growth.
Carbon Credits with Credibility: Chestnut Carbon’s Gold Standard Journey
With support from energy-focused investor Kimmeridge, Chestnut Carbon creates high-quality forest carbon offsets in the U.S.
Subsequently, it’s undergoing a strict certification process under the Gold Standard to produce verified carbon credits. These credits will be sold to companies focused on cutting emissions and reaching their net-zero targets.
According to Margaret Kim, CEO of Gold Standard.
“This milestone is a fantastic illustration of how the carbon market can deliver for nature. Forestry and other land use projects have a critical role to play in delivering high-integrity carbon removals while restoring ecosystems and supporting communities. At Gold Standard, we are committed to enabling projects that not only contribute to global climate goals but also drive tangible and verified impact for people and nature.”
In central Arkansas, Chestnut manages nearly 4,000 acres. To boost the local economy, it has joined the Morrilton Chamber of Commerce and the Conway County Economic Development Corporation. Additionally, ArborGen Nursery supplies seedlings, and DDK Forestry & Real Estate offers expert advice for these projects.
The 7MT Carbon Credit Deal with Microsoft
Chestnut’s high-quality offsets have attracted major corporate buyers. The company secured a 25-year agreement with Microsoft to deliver nearly 8 million tonnes of carbon removal, which is the largest deal in the U.S.
It also partnered with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, reflecting the growing demand for credible nature-based carbon solutions.
