LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Continuing a four-year collaboration dedicated to enhancing environmental sustainability, Green Forests Work, Suntory Global Spirits and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are joining forces to reforest a former mine site in Hazard, Kentucky. This annual tree planting event underscores each organization’s strong commitment to restoring Kentucky’s natural habitats and fostering healthy environments for sustainable communities around the world.
“This partnership has brought tremendous conservation outcomes for our state. The events hosted by Suntory Global Spirits highlight the Appalachian region’s essential role in our world— both for nature and the vibrant communities that call it home. The employees’ and volunteers’ dedication and passion have made a profound impact, resulting in planting over 300 acres and 214,000 trees on TNC’s Cumberland Forest property in just three years,” said Chris Garland, Central Appalachians Director at TNC. “Through our collaboration with Green Forests Work, we’ve expanded our reach across Kentucky, now exceeding 400 acres and 315,000 trees planted. Together, we are not just cultivating forests; we are nurturing a legacy that will support conservation, wildlife, and the heart of this region for generations to come. I am truly grateful for our exceptional partners in this mission.”
To reinforce that commitment, on April 10, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 100 volunteers from Suntory Global Spirits, along with leaders from Green Forests Work and The Nature Conservancy, will plant 8,000 white oak tree seedlings across 10 acres of the Kentucky River Properties (KRP) site in Knott County. This initiative not only aims to revitalize the natural landscape of the prominent Appalachian Mountains of Hazard, Kentucky, but will also reinforce key components needed for a healthy ecosystem like carbon sequestration, improved air quality and restored wildlife habitats in the expansive area.
“Our premium spirits are made with agricultural ingredients, such as grains and agave, and we rely on healthy forests and White Oak trees for the barrels that age our spirits,” said Kim Marotta, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer and Head of Enterprise Risk Management at Suntory Global Spirits. “Given the significant role White Oak plays in our bourbon barrels, we’re committed to their regeneration and have set an ambitious goal of planting half a million trees by 2030. Kentucky is the heartland of our business, so we are very proud to continue supporting this annual event, along with our partners, as we work to accelerate our positive impact in our local communities.”
“Green Forests Work is proud to partner with Suntory Global Spirits, the Arbor Day Foundation, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and other partners to restore native forests throughout the region,” said Michael French, Director of Green Forests Work. “By working together to restore healthy ecosystems on lands impacted by mining, we’re improving the environment for wildlife and future generations and creating economic and recreational opportunities for local communities. By working collaboratively, we’re able to reforest more land for even greater conservation outcomes.”
We invite you to capture this collaborative effort and its impact and to speak with leaders of each organization regarding this initiative including:
- Greg Hughes, President & CEO, Suntory Global Spirits
- Kim Marotta, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer & Head of ERM, Suntory Global
Spirits - Chris Barton, Founder & President, Green Forests Work
- Michael French, Director of Operations, Green Forests Work
- Chris Garland, Central Appalachians Director, The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky
- Danna Baxley, Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky
To confirm attendance and coordinate travel to and from the site, interested media is asked to
contact Chelsea Bowers in advance at [email protected].
