This project will document the stories of Black landowners in the northeast in their own words. The research team interviewed Black landowners (forest and agricultural) in the northeastern U.S. to learn about their unique experiences as landowners in this region. Our aim is to gain a regional perspective about the issues they face, strategies to combat land loss, and incentives for becoming landowners.  Interviews were completed in 2021 and covered topics such as: how they acquired their land, stewardship goals, obstacles faced, and opportunities moving forward. Exploring the intersection of agriculture and forestry on Black-owned lands through agroforestry and other management strategies can help maintain the viability of woodlands. The publication highlighting the landowner stories was completed in 2022 and is linked below.  
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The team will also conduct an analysis of published research on Black landowners, with an emphasis on forest landowners since so little is known about their experiences in the northeastern region of the U.S.  This systematic review will allow development and dissemination of a research agenda on crucial needs that will increase awareness and foster research on Black landowners, particularly outside of the southern U.S.  

This project is part of the Cornell Rural Humanities Initiative and funded through a grant from the Mellon Foundation with support from a grant from USDA-RREA (Renewable Resources Extension Act).  

Photography by Lisa Godfrey made possible by Northern Woodlands with a grant from the Bailey Charitable Foundation. 

Please view our latest publication:
Stories Trees Have to Tell:  Black Land Stewardship and Legacy in the Northeast.