We're a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing nature-based solutions through trusted collaboration between land stewards, project developers and businesses across Central and Southern Appalachia.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide landowners with alternative, sustainable income streams while delivering measurable climate mitigation. Since 2022, our programs have provided habitat protection and long-term stewardship of Appalachian landscapes.
As growing urbanization and land conversion trends in the region continue to stress an already fragmented landscape, we use emerging markets to provide a stabilizing influence to the legacy of our regional landscape.
At ACE, we believe that place, integrity, and relationship matter. We honor Appalachian heritage and leverage regional expertise to implement forest management and restoration practices that are not only ecologically sound but also built on trust and transparency.
Building on the strengths of our region and our people, we believe that...
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Relationships matter
Just like knowing your local farmer makes the veggies taste better, trust in relationships is at the heart of our mission. We prioritize implementing programs with the individuals in our communities in mind.
Place matters
True to Appalachian heritage, we look to the resourcefulness and determination of the regional character to solve big problems. By betting on local, our work supports the development of accessible, high-quality projects that brings together many different stakeholders across the region.
Integrity matters
Good things take time, and we are here for the long haul. Our work hinges on doing the right thing every day, and that means a lot of diligence, a lot of patience, and keeping our true climate positive impact in the driver's seat.
Building on the strengths of our region and our people, at ACE we believe that...
Relationships matter
Just like knowing your local farmer makes the veggies taste better, trust in relationships is at the heart of our mission. We prioritize implementing programs with the individuals in our communities in mind.
Place matters
True to Appalachian heritage, we look to the resourcefulness and determination of the regional character to solve big problems. By betting on local, our work supports the development of accessible, high-quality projects that brings together many different stakeholders across the region.
Integrity matters
Good things take time, and we are here for the long haul. Our work hinges on doing the right thing every day, and that means a lot of diligence, a lot of patience, and keeping our true climate positive impact in the driver's seat.
Our team
Ongeleigh Underwood
Executive Director
Aidan Campbell
Forest Program Director
Jake Lee
West Virginia Program Manager
Kacy Hicks
Kentucky Program Manager
Shawn Swartz
Agroforestry Manager