Family Forest Blog
October 9, 2026
Meet The 2026 Western Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year: The Kesterson Family
For six generations, the Kesterson family has built their life along Oregon’s Umpqua River. It started 1908, when Charles Franklin Kesterson purchased 300 acres near Elkton, and now has grown into a 2,200-acre family operation that balances forestry, ranching, and recreation.
October 5, 2026
Meet the 2026 Northeast Regional Tree Farmers of the Year: Gerry and Karen Hawkes
For Gerry Hawkes, a life in the woods was decided at an early age. Growing up on his family’s farm in Vermont, working alongside his grandfather and uncles in the woods and at the sawmill, by seventh grade, he knew he wanted to become a forester.
October 2, 2026
Meet the 2026 North Central Regional Tree Farmers of the Year: Jerry and Portia Brown
For Jerry and Portia Brown, Tree Farming is a family tradition that stretches back seven decades.
October 1, 2026
AFF Announces 2026 Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
Each year, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), a program of the American Forest Foundation, celebrates the work being done by ATFS-certified landowners with the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year (OTFY) award.
November 6, 2025
Meet the 2025 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Western Region – Lynn and Becky Miner
Lynn and Becky Miner’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and transformation. When they first purchased their 100-acre property near Chewelah, Washington in 1992, it was far from the thriving, diverse forest it is today. They have poured their energy into turning “Casa Becca del Norte” (Becky’s House in the North) into a model Tree Farm, earning the recognition as 2025’s Outstanding Tree Farmers of the western region.
February 20, 2024
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.
December 19, 2023
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.
December 14, 2023
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.
December 1, 2023
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.
November 20, 2023
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.”
November 10, 2023
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.
September 19, 2023
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.
March 13, 2023
Late Arkansan Recognized for Leadership and Contributions to Forestry Community
The American Forest Foundation’s American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) has announced the posthumous recognition of Jennifer Lambert Johnson of Little Rock, Arkansas as the 2023 National Leadership Award recipient.
March 10, 2023
The American Tree Farm System Honors 2023 Regional Inspectors & Awards National Inspector of the Year
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is pleased to announce the 2023 Regional Inspectors and National Inspector of the Year (IOTY).
December 15, 2022
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.