Environmental Management

Reforestation is the process of restoring forests by planting native trees in areas where trees were removed or where forest cover has been lost over time. These plantings help rebuild healthy ecosystems, improve water quality, and strengthen the County’s natural landscape for future generations.

Forests provide critical environmental benefits that support both people and wildlife. Reforestation helps:

• Reduce stormwater runoff and erosion

• Filter pollutants before they reach streams and drinking water sources

• Improve air quality and reduce urban heat

• Provide habitat for native wildlife

• Capture and store carbon, helping address climate impacts

Healthy forests are a key part of protecting local waterways, including those that ultimately drain to the Chesapeake Bay.

Prince William County actively supports reforestation as part of its broader environmental protection and stormwater management efforts. County-led and County-supported reforestation projects focus on:

• Converting open or underutilized land into long-term native forests

• Restoring stream buffers and environmentally sensitive areas

• Supporting water quality goals and regulatory requirements

• Increasing tree canopy in areas where it provides the greatest benefit

Projects are carefully planned using native tree species suited to local soils, climate, and ecological conditions to ensure long-term success.

Reforestation occurs on both County-owned property and eligible private land. On public land, projects are designed to support stormwater infrastructure, parkland restoration, and natural resource protection. On private property, voluntary programs help residents turn grassy or unused areas into lasting forests at no cost, while maintaining long-term environmental benefits for the community.

Reforestation is a long-term investment. Newly planted areas are protected to allow forests to mature naturally over time. As trees grow, their environmental benefits increase—providing stronger water quality protection, improved habitat, and a healthier landscape for the entire County.