Global Forest Science was founded by tree physiologist Dr. Reese Halter. Since January 1998, Global Forest Science has been conducting fundamental forest biological research. The institute has branched from offices in Winlaw, British Columbia to Banff, Alberta and San Francisco, California and has official charitable status in both Canada and the United States.

Today, Global Forest Science supports 140 scientists involved in 69 projects in 8 countries. Together we are short circuiting ecological disasters, protecting fragile ecosystems, saving endangered species, discovering new species, pioneering scientific methods to gain knowledge about how trees and forests function, monitoring global climate change, and working with First Peoples to preserve cultural knowledge and enhance economic and community stability.