Women's identity as forest owners: Exploring perceptions and responses to forest management amidst changing climate

Background Women in the United States are increasingly acquiring forest land through inheritance and/or direct purchase. This trend presents an opportunity for women to contribute meaningfully to climate change solutions through effective forest management. However, historical gender discrimination in landownership has left women with limited opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage land, farm, and forests. Research is thus, needed to better understand the role women play in supporting forests and climate change solutions. Methods Using the sociological framework of Community Identity and Response to Threats , this qualitative study drew on in-depth interviews with 20 women forest owners across three states (Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Maine) to explore their sense of community, perceptions of climate change, approaches to forest management, barriers to implementing climate-smart forestry practices, and pathways for engagement in climate-adaptive stewardship. Results Findings reveal a sense of community identity rooted in shared forest values and connections, involvement in forestry organizations, and a perceived commonality of experiences with other women forest owners. However, this shared identity did not translate into a unified stance on climate change. Although concern for forests and future generations was expressed by all participants, the nature and intensity of that concern varied considerably, encompassing sadness, anger, hope, proactive adaptation, and, in some cases, skepticism. Rather than an established practice, climate-smart forest management emerged more as an aspiration, constrained by technical, institutional, financial, and social barriers. Despite these challenges, peer learning, flexible and accessible education, women-specific learning environments, and greater recognition of women's contributions emerged as meaningful pathways to participation in climate-adaptive forest stewardship. Implications These findings can inform the development of programs, resources, and support systems tailored to women forest owners experiences, needs, and leadership potential in forest and climate stewardship.