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Biochar for Forest Recovery & Climate Resilience
A Collaboration Portfolio by Blueprint for Impact
After Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, devastating 40% of our trees, degrading soils, and increasing wildfire risk, we saw an urgent need for regenerative recovery.
This project brings together foresters, scientists, local businesses, creatives, and funders to pilot a region-wide biochar initiative. Our goal is to transform storm debris into carbon-rich biochar that restores soil, protects forests, and sequesters carbon, while building local jobs and climate resilience.
WHAT IS BIOCHAR?
Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made by heating wood and organic matter in low-oxygen environments. It locks carbon into the soil for hundreds of years while improving soil health, water retention, and ecosystem recovery.
HOW IT'S MADE
BENEFITS OF BIOCHAR IN ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
This pilot projects has the potential to touch all aspects of the community.
 IMG_7525-1024x688 |  Birds by the Lake |
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 Image by Maël |  Screenshot 2025-05-29 at 2.38.14 PM |
 download |  Screenshot 2025-05-29 at 2.47.55 PM |
 white-water-rafting-256-large |  Business meeting |
 Cow and Calf |  Hiking |
 Hands in the Soil |  Vegetable Garden |
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SOIL RESTORATION
PUBLIC HEALTH
WILDFIRE MITIGATION
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
LOCAL BUSINESS
BIODIVERSITY
OUTDOOR ECONOMY
HEALITHER FOODS
INNOVATIVE FINANCING MODEL
SCIENTIST
The current geological landscape and political landscape with recent federal budget cuts make it necessary for us to move quick and work in innovative funding models to be able to launch this project, to save the economy, save the people and the planet.
Collaboration is Key.
STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION
EDUCATION
NON PROFITS
FORESTRY
FARMERS
COLLECTIVE FUNDING MODEL DESIGNED
A blended capital model is created tailored to the stakeholders, project type,
and desired outcomes.
PACKAGED FOR
INVESTMENT
BACKED BY STORYTELLING INFRASTRUCTURE
ECO-CREDITS,
CARBON MARKETS & BONDS
Each Collaboration Portfolio is developed into a funding-ready package, complete with budgets, partners, and impact goals designed for alignment with foundations, private investors, and public funders.
We are creating a short-form Impact Story that will also be featured in our Blueprint Appalachia documentary + speaking tour, increasing transparency, excitement, and investment opportunities for this project.
Each funding package is designed to align with emerging carbon markets and eco-credit systems. By measuring the climate impact of our work, such as carbon sequestration, forest restoration, and soil health, we unlock new sources of funding like carbon credits, nature-based bonds, and regenerative finance tools.
FOUNDATIONS
PRIVATE PHILANTHROPISTS
IMPACT INVESTORS
INSURANCE COMPANIES
LARGE PENSION FUNDS
CORPORATE
GIVEBACKS
PROJECT IMPLEMENTED
Once funding is secured, the project is implemented on the ground with trusted partners like the National Forest Foundation, Warren Wilson College, and regenerative systems expert, Alan Booker.
We design a forest-friendly harvest model to ensure biomass is collected responsibly without over harvesting and use regenerative science to guide every step. This includes building on-site labs and data collection systems to monitor outcomes, ensure transparency, and prove the project is delivering the 4 Returns.
TRACK 4 RETURNS &
PROFITS RECYCLED
We partner with third-party experts to track and measure the full impact of the project.
Using the 4 Returns Framework, we monitor:
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Natural Return: soil health, water quality, forest growth
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Social Return: community health, education, job creation
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Financial Return: investment performance, cost savings
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Inspirational Return: community pride, shared vision
A portion of profits is returned to investors (if for-profit), and the rest is reinvested into the Blueprint Impact Seed Fund, to help scale the next generation of regenerative projects.
GLOBAL BIOCHAR INITIATIVES
Biochar initiatives are taking root around the world, from farms in Kenya to forests in British Columbia, proving its power to heal land, store carbon, and build climate resilience.
With many global successes already underway, we’re excited to bring this powerful solution to the Appalachian region. Our goal is to develop a scalable model that not only serves our communities, but also becomes a blueprint for the rest of the country to adopt and adapt.
2 / Releaf Earth (Nigeria)
Africa’s first industrial biochar producer, Releaf Earth converts palm kernel shells into premium biochar, enhancing soil fertility, sequestering carbon, and boosting smallholder farmer incomes. Their patented Kraken technology and geospatial SITE tool optimize production, aiming to remove 700,000 metric tons of CO₂e by 2030.
3 / Regen Biochar (Australia)
Developed by Grayson Australia, Regen Biochar is designed for horticulture and land regeneration—enhancing soil health, water retention, and nutrient uptake. By converting organic waste into stable carbon, their approach supports long-term carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture.
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