Organizational Membership

SAF's newest program gives companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities the opportunity to sponsor SAF memberships for their employees at discounted rates.

The Society of American Foresters members and partners help shape the future of the forestry profession for the better. As a participant, your organization, company, agency, or university can sponsor SAF memberships at the Full, Premium and Affiliate levels.

This program is currently structured with membership, but in reality, it is sponsored access to educational materials and scientific information to enhance employee's technical expertise and leadership skills.

Full Members and Premium Members are graduates of an SAF-accredited program and/or curriculum; OR scientists or practitioners who hold an associate’s or higher degree within forestry or natural resources. (Click here to learn which degrees qualify.)

Affiliate Members care deeply about our environment and are interested in the field of forestry or natural resources management, but do not hold the educational qualifications required by other SAF membership types.

The benefits of Full, Premium and Affiliate Membership are numerous, below are just some of them:

  • Full and Premium Members are eligible to: 1) participate in working groups, 2) serve on national committees and/or in national leadership positions, 3) access SAF's membership directory, and 4) exercise full SAF voting rights. 
  • Full, Premium and Affiliate Members under the age of 40 (referred to as SAF Young Professionals or YPs) can: 1) network through a YP-only group in SAF’s online community, 2) serve as the SAF YP board representative, and 3) access virtual and in-person educational events crafted specifically for YPs.
  • Sponsored Full, Premium and Affiliate Members are automatically enrolled as members of their respective state societies. Through SAF's local units (state societies, divisions, and chapters), SAF members can connect with other professionals in their area, contribute to their local professional community, engage on state-level issues, and build their leadership skills through volunteer opportunities. 
  • Premium Members receive print issues of the Journal of Forestry by mail every other month (January, March, May, July, September, and November).
  • Affiliate Members gain from the latest research, advocacy efforts, outreach resources, and best practices vetted by forest sector professionals. Network with professionals who share similar interests through working groups and online communities. Enjoy discounts on event registrations, insurance products, and rental cars. 
In addition to these Full and Premium Membership benefits, all SAF members (including Sponsored Full and Premium Members) can:

  • Lend support to the world's largest and oldest national society for forestry.
  • Gain the latest research, advocacy efforts, outreach resources, and best practices vetted by professionals in the forest sector.
  • Access SAF member communications, including policy alerts, new ForestEd content, and funding and scholarship opportunities.
  • Receive subscriptions to SAF's publications: (1) Journal of Forestry (digital), (2) Forest Science (digital), (3) The Forestry Source (digital and print), and (4) eForester (digital).
  • Pursue education and professional development opportunities at special member rates.
  • Access SAF's certification and accreditation directories.
  • Network with professionals who share similar interests through working groups and online communities.
  • Enjoy discounts on insurance products and rental cars.
  • Participate in awards programs, apply for grants, and engage in mentor/mentee-based initiatives. 
 

Your organization will benefit from SAF engagement.

SAF membership doesn't just provide value to individuals. Sponsored memberships for your employees:

  • Show how your organization is investing in the forestry profession AND your staff members' professional development
  • Help you meet your organization's recruitment, retention, and sustainable development goals; and
  • Emphasize your organization's commitment to professional excellence in the field of forestry and natural resources management.


Interested in sponsoring memberships for your employees?

Reach out to SAF Membership Director Darnell Pinson at [email protected].