Landowner Stories
America’s family forest owners are dedicated to doing right by their land, and each one has a unique story to tell.
Turning Farm to Forest: Growing Loblolly Pine with Field to Forest
Wade Rabun has been working his land for years: he has most recently become the steward of a growing loblolly pine forest after enrolling in Field to Forest.
Georgia Landowner Grows Pines for Profit with Field to Forest
The Family Forest Carbon Program’s Field to Forest project is available to Georgia landowners who own 40+ acres of pasture or row crops.
For Conservation, Climate and Grapes
In Allegany County, you can spot newly planted grapevines. To the Trezise family, Kevin, Rene, and their son Bryce, this is the site of their future farm and vineyard.
Pennsylvania Family Forest Owner Gives Back to Veterans
When Edward Fisher and his wife, Katie, searched for a woodland property to buy in Pennsylvania, they intended to find a place to enjoy for themselves and their family.
Visiting Sleepy Hollow: Skiing and Carbon Sequestration
Eli Enman and his family own 800 acres of woodlands in Huntington, Vermont. The property opens as a cross-country ski resort during the winters.
Georgia Landowner Named the 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year
The American Forest Foundation and the American Tree Farm System are excited to announce the 2023 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, Heather Brasell of Berrien County, Georgia.
Announcing the 2023 Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
The American Forest Foundation and the American Tree Farm System are excited to announce the 2023 Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.
Pfeiffer Family Forest, A Tree Farm Story
We're highlight American Tree Farm landowners who conserve their valuable woodlands and protect the natural beauties on their property. Today, meet William Pfeiffer.
Land Management Leads to Forest Advocacy: Cassie Ridenour’s Story
Cassie Ridenour learned to love forests from an early age. “I’ve been excited to support AFF and their programs, like FFCP, expanding to places like Ohio.”
Twisted Oak Tree Farm: An Investment of Family and Forest
Growing up in Chicago, Sally Hightower was a city kid who loved nature—when she could find it. Today, Hightower lives on a 37 acre Tree Farm in Gladwin, Michigan.
A Walk With The Buck Family
When John Buck bought a 70-acre parcel of land in a remote part of Washington, Vermont in 2011, his primary motive was to create a family legacy on the property.
John Schmidt: Keeper of the Woods
AFF traveled to learn about John Schmidt's West Virginian woodlands and why he enrolled in the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP).
Pragmatic Planning: Scott and Marge Hayes & AFF’s Seedling Society
Scott Hayes loves spending time in the forest. He’s worked in them all his adult life, so he understands the importance of woodlands in mitigating climate change impacts.
Caution: Oak Trees May Bite
When a 90-acre property came up for sale in Pennsylvania, the Webers jumped on the opportunity. They then worked with a forester to develop a plan to rewild the area.
Advocating for Family Forest Owners in 2023
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) hosted its first in-person legislative fly-in since 2019. Landowners came to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional lawmakers.
West Virginia Landowners & FFCP Tackle Invasive Species
In May 2023, American Forest Foundation staff visited the properties of West Virginian landowners enrolled in the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP), including Ed and Dianna Kachmarek.
Carbon Program Assists a Family’s West Virginia Tree Farm
Jeremy Brubeck recalls sitting in a deer stand at dawn on his family’s 143-acre woodland property. “As the sun came up, I remember watching the forest come alive.”
Helping the Planet Heal: PA Landowner on Local NPR
“I’m contributing to helping the planet heal, to helping our species to be able to survive.” Louise Hartman's family works with FFCP to manage their lands.
Bringing Beavers Back to Bear Town
Susan Benedict inherited forestland that's been in her family for three generations. With habitat work done alongside AFF, beavers have returned to her land.
A Land of Hope: A Grandfather Fights to Preserve His Land for Future Generations
When Tim Stout, a Vermont Native, became a grandfather to Abe and Faye, he began to think more critically about climate change and how to protect his woodlands for the next generation. Located in Rutland County, Vermont, Tim, his brother Chris, and their families own Jockey Hill Farm.
Carbon Program Helps Remove Invasive Species, Cover Property Tax for Pennsylvania Landowner
Susan Benedict was thrilled to inherit the 2,000 acres of forest land that has been in her family for several generations, but affording the maintenance and management of the property quickly became a challenge.
Vermont Organic Maple Sugar Business Thrives in the Family Forest Carbon Program
Chris Johnson and his family steward around 450 acres of forestland in Lincoln, Vermont. They eat from the property’s apple trees in the fall, harvest timber for the winter and collect sap for the family’s organic maple syrup operation in the spring.
Meet Doug and Teresa Moore, Recipients of the National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Award
Doug and Teresa Moore are the recipients of the American Tree Farm System's® 2022 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Award.
Peter and Julie Parker: Good Stewardship Today Helps Secure Our Collective Future
Peter and Julie Parker, Vermont landowners enrolled in the American Forest Foundation's Family Forest Carbon Program, recently shared their story with Woodland Magazine.
From a Google Search to a Sustaining Impact
When you make a gift during Giving Tuesday, a Global Day of Generosity, you connect with individuals far beyond your own backyard. Together, we can improve forest health, address climate change and support American communities.
West Virginia Landowner Is Keeping His Land in the Family
Jarrod Hatfield, a West Virginia landowner enrolled in the American Forest Foundation's Family Forest Carbon Program, recently shared his story with our partners at REI.
Maryland Landowner Sees the Potential in His Land
Bryce Trezise, a Maryland landowner enrolled in the American Forest Foundation's Family Forest Carbon Program, recently shared his story with our partners at U.S. Nature4Climate.
Pennsylvania Landowner Talks Lasting Forest Stewardship
Karren DeSeve, a Pennsylvania landowner enrolled in the American Forest Foundation's Family Forest Carbon Program, recently shared her story with our partners at The Nature Conservancy.
Meet Pam Byrne and John Huerta of West Virginia
Pam and John are dedicated to not only protecting a land, but to beginning a legacy. Learn how the Family Forest Carbon Program is helping them.
A Walk in the Woods
Meet three passionate families who share their experiences as forest owners.
A Dedication to Conservation
Pam and Jim Porter’s Jasper County, South Carolina forestland fulfills a life-long dream for Jim and has become a life’s passion for Pam. Both have become tireless advocates for conservation, carbon sequestration and sustainable forestry.
Mary LaHood and Bob Burns: 2021 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) has named Mary LaHood and Bob Burns the 2021 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. Mary and Bob manage the 320-acre LaHood-Burns Family Forest with their children in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Black Hills Family Named National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year
The American Forest Foundation and the American Tree Farm System are excited to announce the 2021 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, Mary LaHood and Bob Burns of South Dakota.
Meet the Jacksons of Pennsylvania
When looking for resources to support the health of their forest, Laura and Mike discovered the Family Forest Carbon Program. They learned that the program offered a steady, long-term revenue stream to enable them to take on their forest projects and continue to improve their forest’s health.
Meet Tony and Debbie Wambaugh of Pennsylvania
When the time to retire came, Tony and Debbie Wambaugh were excited to be able to move to their family's land. Their main focus was on farming but they hadn't considered the potential of the 126 forested acres. An ad from the Family Forest Carbon Program changed all that.
The Impact of Philanthropy in Western Forests
Family forest owners Ron and Marianne Dreisbach use land management – and provide philanthropic support – to help wildfire mitigation efforts
Announcing the 2021 Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
The American Forest Foundation and the American Tree Farm System are excited to announce the 2021 Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.
Embracing Alabama's Longleaf
As a curious child and Eagle Scout in southeastern Alabama during the 1950s, Salem Saloom was surrounded by longleaf pine forests like the ones he and his wife, Dianne, and son, Patrick, now manage.
Encouraging Lifelong Learnings
Al Robertson was introduced to the Dauerwald concept of forestry during his U.S. Army days in Germany. The concept dovetails with the American Tree Farm System's Standards of Sustainability in helping landowners become good stewards of their forestland.
Exploring Family-Owned Forests in New Hampshire
In celebration of 80 years of recognizing good forest stewardship, AFF looks at the goals and progress of three American Tree Farm System state affiliates have made. The forestland may be vastly different, but the Tree Farmers' commitment to stewardship remains the same.
Exploring Family-Owned Forests in Tennessee
In celebration of 80 years of recognizing good forest stewardship, AFF looks at the goals and progress made by American Tree Farm System state affiliates. Get to know more about family-owned forests in Tennessee and the Tenneessee Forestry Association. One thing is certain, the forestland may be vastly different, but the Tree Farmers' commitment to stewardship remains the same.
Exploring Family-Owned Forests in Kansas
In celebration of 80 years of recognizing good forest stewardship, AFF looks at the goals and progress made by American Tree Farm System state affiliates. Get to know more about family-owned forests in Kansas and the Kansas Forestry Association. One thing is certain, the forestland may be vastly different, but the Tree Farmers' commitment to stewardship remains the same.
Meet the Hartman Sisters of Pennsylvania
For the Hartman sisters, Chestnut Farm is a family heirloom. Like a handmade rocking chair, or well-used quilt, it has a feeling of home and memories.
Planting Seeds for the Future of Family Forestry
Pride of ownership. That’s the driving force for Lois Kaufman and Dave McNamara as they steward their 53-acre property in Oak Run, California, about 30 miles northeast of Redding. They’ve both enjoyed long careers as foresters and mentored countless Tree Farmers.
Mary LaHood and Bob Burns, 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
Meet Mary LaHood and Bob Burns, finalists for the 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year from South Dakota.
Bruce Townsend and Heidi Bundy, 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
Bruce Townsend and his daughter Heidi Bundy own and operate Tomapo Farm in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on land that has been in their family for 250 years. Each generation has found ways to improve the property and enhance its productivity, while also supporting wildlife and enhancing recreation opportunities for their community.
Dwayne Wilson, 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
Dr. Dwayne Wilson personally manages Slippery Hills Farm, in Wildersville, Tennessee, with the knowledge of a forester and the harvesting skills of a logger. The farm, totaling 405 acres (170 are ATFS certified), has been in his family since 1849, when Uriah Leonard bought the land from the state.
Allene and Foots Parnell, 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
Allene and Leighton “Foots” Parnell are passionate stewards of their 648-acre Foothills Farm, which has been in the Parnell family for more than 175 years. That long history drives home the importance of protecting and improving our natural resources for future generations. Foothills Farm is a perfect example of how to achieve that.
Don Newell, 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
Don and Patricia Newell acquired their 250-acre property in Thorndike, Maine, in 1978, selling the lots with prime soils to farmers and keeping the forestland for their family. As a real estate broker and a descendent of Maine farmers and loggers, Don understands his obligation to leave the land better than he found it for future generations.
Clifton Taylor, 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
Clifton Taylor’s tree farm, Elk Cave Farms, in Gravel Switch, Kentucky, has grown from 287 acres in 1959 to 1,076 acres of certified hardwood forestland. That first tract launched the family’s mission of establishing new forests, tending young timber stands, and harvesting sustainable forest products from mature trees. Today, three generations of Taylors actively manage the land and generously share their knowledge with other landowners.
Paul and Joanne Mechling, 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
Paul and Joanne Mechling moved to Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1974 to launch a veterinary practice. Although they knew very little about forest management at the time, they knew they wanted to own woodlands. The couple soon purchased their first parcel, 30 acres of reverting agriculture and clear-cut, and enrolled it in the Ohio Tree Farm program in 1978.
Gordon and Gail Culbertson, 2020 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
Gail and Gordon Culbertson formed Whitewater Forests in 2001 with their first 43 acres in Douglas County, Oregon, eventually adding two more parcels for a total of 151 acres, 111 of which are ATFS certified. They sustainably produce premium sawmill and veneer logs from Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and white fir, while promoting healthy habitats and recreational opportunities.
Family in Washington State Awarded National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year
Today, the American Tree Farm System awarded the New family of Bellingham, Washington the National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year honor from among more than 70,000 certified Tree Farmers nationwide, thanks to their efforts to restore a portion of a critical watershed to help a threatened species in their state.
Outstanding Efforts to Restore Critical Habitat
The New family, David and Dar New, and their daughter’s family, Jennifer and Jeff Parker and their sons, are owners of the Nourse Family Tree Farm in Bellingham, Washington. The 165-acre property has been in Dar’s family for three generations.
Giving Back for the Forests of Tomorrow
Vermont Tree Farmers Peter and Julie Parker went from Tree Farm newcomers to advocates of how sustainably managing forests provides many benefits to the ecosystem, including wildlife habitat.
Bearing the Cost of Forest Ownership
Susan Benedict's 2,087 acre tract of forestland in Pennsylvania has been in her family for 3 generations. She is devoted to making it 5. But it hasn’t always been easy. The cost of owning – and sustainably caring for land each year has been a significant barrier.
Forest Owners in Alabama, Maryland, Missouri and Washington Named Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers
Today, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) announced four Tree Farmer families from among more than 70,000 certified Tree Farmers as this year’s Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. They are Stan and Suzanne Wood of Bremen, Alabama; Bill and Tina Buckel of Bittinger, Maryland; Mike Trial of Columbia, Missouri; and David and Dar New of Bellingham, Washington.
FourTee Acres: Connecting the Generations
Tyrone Williams squinted into the sun as he looked toward the newly planted tract of loblolly pines on his 62-acre property in Enfield, North Carolina. The air was fragrant with the trees’ scent. He thought about his ancestors and how they surely stood in this very same spot.
Managing White Oaks During the Bourbon Boom
Bourbon’s popularity is on the rise around the United States. That means an equal rise in demand for white oak. Coopers use large, knot-free logs of this durable hardwood to make the barrels that give the spirit its rich flavors and amber hue.
Giving Landowners the Right Resources and Tools to Manage their Forests
Landowners want to do right by their land, but often run into barriers. In the Southern Wildlife at Risk: Family Forest Owners Offer a Solution report - being unsure of what to do, finding the right professionals and programs to assist them, and cost can often stop family forest owners from taking action to improve their property.
National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year 2018: Koral and Randy Clum
Koral and Randy Clum of Ohio have dedicated their professional and personal lives to managing forests for healthy trees, wildlife, and clean water and air. Over the past 25 years, they’ve shaped Hepatica Falls Tree Farm into a showcase of productive, sustainable forestland, all the while helping others manage their woodlands for generations to come.
Ohio Tree Farmers Named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
Tree Farmers celebrate the impact of quality forest management and share their experiences to educate others in the community. This year’s honorees are Randy and Koral Clum of east central Ohio.
Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers Amazing Examples of Long-term Commitment to Stewardship
Recently, we announced this year’s four American Tree Farm System (ATFS) Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year: Jon and Carol Gould of Vernon, Florida; Russell Black of Wilton, Maine; Randy and Koral Clum of Dover, Ohio; and Dan Kingsbury of Olalla, Washington. As you read about their accomplishments, you will notice a common thread throughout each of their stories: a long-term commitment to stewardship of their forests.
Forest Owners in FL, ME, OH and WA Awarded Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers
American Tree Farm System provides top honors to exceptional Tree Farmers.
Even Wildland Firefighters Need Help to Handle Wildland Fire Risk
When it was time to retire for Roy and Karen Stock and their friends, all their friends headed south to the warmth, but the Stocks made the decision to move north. After years of vacationing in Montana, they wanted a place with mountain views and big open skies. But rather than purchase a small bungalow like other retirees, they decided to take on a much bigger adventure—75 acres of forestland tucked into the Big Belt Mountain Range in Cascade.
The Challenges of Burnt-Out Markets
The Defrees family of eastern Oregon are no strangers to the challenges that come along with forest ownership, having owned a 2,000-acre ranch for more than 100 years. In 1986, the Defrees were hit hard when lightning sparked the Huckleberry Forest Fire — a wildfire that would go on to burn 9,600 acres in their area. The wildfire took with it virtually every ponderosa pine, Western larch, Douglas fir, white fir and black pine tree on the 500 acres of their land it swept through.
2017 Successes from AFF’s Placed-based Conservation Work
The Zorenskys in Colorado were able to overcome outrageous costs to restoring fire-resilency to their forests; the Smiths of Connecticut have a management plan in place to create wildlife habitat and climate-resilency in their woods; Dorothy of Alabama, a wildlife lover, now understands the benefits of forest management and just conducted her first prescribed burn. There are hundreds of stories like these thanks to the American Forest Foundation’s (AFF) conservation work with partners and family forest owners across the U.S.