Who We Are

Wood For Life Partnerships

Wood for Life (WFL) is a collaborative network of organizations including, National Forest Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, and ALCC in northern Arizona working to achieve common goals. The primary goals are to provide resources and a sustainable source of firewood to local tribal and vulnerable communities through forest restoration efforts; to reduce forest-wide fuels; and to foster and strengthen partner relationships.

The Ancestral Lands Hopi (AL-Hopi) Program was established in 2017 to provide opportunities for youth in employment, education and service for Hopi Reservation youth and young adults. In 2020, as Covid had shut down many operations in the world, it allowed AL-Hopi to refocus and evolve their work within the local communities’ with the partnership of Wood For Life.

Mission and Goals

The Wood For Life Partnership with AL-Hopi was initiated in response to the critical heating crisis faced by the Hopi + Navajo community following the 2019 closure of the Navajo Generating Station (NGS) and the subsequent decline of coal production.

This situation highlighted the lack of infrastructure and contingency planning to address the community's heating needs. Recognizing the urgent need for action, federal agencies, non-profits, and community groups united to form a collaborative effort aimed at providing sustainable heating solutions and supporting the Hopi and Navajo communities.

Through this effort by leveraging local resources, creating employment opportunities for youth, and fostering community resilience, we strive to:

1. Provide Sustainable Heating Solutions: By processing and distributing firewood, mulch, and posts/poles to meet the immediate heating needs of the community.

2. Build Infrastructure and Capacity: Investing in equipment and training to enhance our operational capabilities and ensure long-term sustainability.

3. Foster Collaboration and Support: Working closely with federal agencies, non-profits, and community groups to coordinate efforts, share resources, and maximize impact.

Through the Wood For Life project, we aim to address the heating sourcing needs while laying the foundation for a more resilient and self-sufficient community in the face of future challenges.

What we provide

Post and Beam for Traditional Building Purposes

Traditional building methods and harvesting of natural materials within the Hopi and Navajo communities are an integral part of communal practices. Traditional homesteads, ceremonial structures, and community buildings use methods that rely heavily on natural materials, particularly wooden posts and poles, which are used in the construction of these infrastructures. Recognizing the importance of these practices, the Wood For Life project has committed resources to ensure that tribal members have access to materials for their building needs.

Post & Beam Request and Distribution have Closed for 2024

Learn More About This Project Here

Individual Household and Partner Firewood Distribution

The no-cost firewood distribution initiative has had a significant impact on the Hopi and Navajo communities.

Individual Household Firewood Distribution have Closed for 2024

(We’re committed to providing safe and ready-to-burn firewood. Therefore, we will be committing the 2024 Fall season to process firewood for the upcoming Spring season of 2025.)

Learn More About This Project Here

Mulch

Mulch is produced from material such as branches, pine boughs, twigs and other woody debris. This material, known as ‘slash’. Slash by-products are valuable and can be repurposed for several beneficial uses. We produce mulch to support soil improvement and moisture retention, these aspects are crucial for local farming initiatives and gardening efforts.

Mulch Distributions have Closed for 2024

How To Be Involved

Recruitment and Volunteer Opportunities

• Firewood Delivery to someone in need
• Firewood Distribution (Traffic Control, Firewood Loading, etc)

Volunteer Interest Form

Job Opportunities

Our WFL Positions are currently filled. Please keep an eye out for future opportunities.

Past Projects

2020 ALCC Community Report

2021 Firewood Report

2023 Firewood Report

2024 Firewood Report

Frequently Asked Questions