Much of the remaining Atlantic Forest is today composed of forest patches that no longer support minimum viable populations of many animal and plant species. IPÊ has initiated the planting of forest corridors connecting these last forests to promote gene flow between isolated populations.

Habitat connectivity is also promoted through the creation of stepping stones, which are small patches of trees planted between the larger isolated forests. Since stepping stones are normally composed of agro-forestry species, they both improve dispersal of animals through the landscape and benefit resident farmers. To encourage this type of planting, IPÊ distributes tree saplings that are grown in large community nurseries. The nurseries also provide young trees to owners of large properties, who must, by law, have a certain percentage of their land set aside for native Atlantic Forest.

IPÊ is gauging the benefit of corridors and stepping stones to wildlife by analysis data from bats, birds and butterflies.