In 2021, an Ohio family set out to restore 60 acres of abandoned mine land; five years later, native trees are bringing it back to life

In a small rural corner of Jackson County, Ohio, where the hills still bear the scars of coal mining, one family chose to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year not with fireworks or parades, but with shovels, seedlings and a promise to heal the land. Their 60-acre property, a former Abandoned Mine Land (AML) site for more than two decades, had long been a visible reminder of the region’s industrial past. Now, it is becoming part of a new story; one of forests, wildlife and growth, according to U.S. Department of the Interior- Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.A vision born during the pandemicThe landowners first contacted foresters from the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) in 2021, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was changing how people looked at their homes and backyards. Like many families spending more time on their land, they began to see the potential for something better. They asked if the land could be reclaimed and replanted with native trees to support wildlife and bring the ecosystem back.Because the site clearly involved AML mining impacts, the landowners were referred to the state partner, the Ohio Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program, to evaluate the property and, if eligible, move it into the reclamation process. Despite pandemic-related delays, the project moved forward. In the following years, the landowners worked closely with the Ohio AML Program in collaboration with ARRI. Together, they walked the site, discussed options and refined a restoration plan.The science of reforestationThe Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is the federal agency that works with states and tribes to ensure active coal mines are reclaimed and that abandoned mine lands are addressed. ARRI, launched in 2004, promotes the reforestation of previously mined lands across Appalachia. ARRI’s mission is to use science-based techniques to turn legacy sites, active coal mines and AML lands back into healthy, diverse forests. The initiative emphasises planting native trees, improving soil conditions and restoring wildlife habitat so these lands can again provide environmental, economic and community benefits for generations.For the Jackson County project, the Ohio AML Program led the reclamation work by grading and stabilising the site and addressing safety and environmental concerns. After this work was completed, ARRI principles guided the reforestation phase. Approximately 700 native tree seedlings per acre were planted to establish a true forest, rather than scattered trees, and to set the land on a path toward long-term ecological and economic value.A “Freedom 250” planting dayJackson County has a long coal mining history and was once one of Ohio’s important mining regions. This project is part of a broader effort to ensure that this legacy includes restored forests rather than abandoned landscapes. With support from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) programs and ARRI, many sites across Appalachia are being reclaimed and reforested. This project stands out for the landowners’ deep personal commitment and their active collaboration with state and federal partners.This spring, after nearly five years of planning, delays and coordination among partners, the landowners’ vision became a reality. The family hosted a “Freedom 250” tree planting day on the reclaimed site. Several generations gathered to hand-plant seedlings across a 2-acre area, while a professional tree planting crew planted the remaining 58 acres, according to the report.Throughout the event, the family flew a “Freedom 250” flag in honour of the nation’s 250 years of independence. They planted hundreds of native seedlings in memory of their grandmother, who did not live to see the mine restored. Standing together on newly planted ground, the family and partners could see the transformation of a young forest.A model for the futureThe Jackson County project is more than just a tree planting. It is a model for how abandoned mine lands can be transformed into thriving ecosystems that benefit both people and nature. This project involved many partners including the Ohio AML Program, ARRI, OSMRE and the landowners themselves.Today the site features native trees, improved soil conditions and a restored wildlife habitat. It’s a place for children to learn about nature, for families to enjoy time together in the outdoors and for wildlife to flourish.The people of Jackson County are proud of this project.” It reminds us that degraded land can be restored, that even a small investment can bring big returns, and that even a single family can make a difference.As the sun sets behind the hills of Ohio and the birds come back to roost in the trees, this 60-acre forest is a living symbol of what can happen when we decide to restore rather than abandon, to plant rather than extract and to invest for the future rather than for the moment.