Family Forest Blog
June 1, 2022
Take a Walk with Us in The Family Forest
We’ve created a digital community for America’s family forest owners to connect with fellow landowners from all walks of life to learn more about ways they can improve the health and resiliency of their forests.
March 31, 2022
A Walk in the Woods
Meet three passionate families who share their experiences as forest owners.
January 31, 2022
Telling Our Story in New & Innovative Ways
For more than 40 years, AFF has been working to share the story of America’s family forest owners. We’re continuing to find new & innovative ways to do so and engage partners to drive conservation impact.
December 15, 2021
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.
December 15, 2021
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.
September 9, 2021
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.
July 6, 2021
ATFS Recognizes Outstanding National Volunteers
Each year the American Tree Farm System recognizes a number of individuals for their invaluable contributions of time and energy to their communities.
April 1, 2021
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.
April 1, 2021
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.
April 1, 2021
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.
April 1, 2021
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.
March 25, 2021
Growing Forest Conservation, Together: The 2019 National Leadership Conference
Each year, AFF welcomes more than 250 Tree Farmers, inspectors, state committee leaders, policy supporters and partners to the three-day 2019 National Leadership Conference (NLC). With topics ranging from the ATFS database to learning how to engage a more diverse audience to an emerging leaders workshop focused on the next generation of sustainable forestry, the conference provided plenty of opportunities for participants to learn more about the Tree Farm system and its community.
March 9, 2021
American Tree Farm System Announces 2021 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is pleased to recognize Mike Kay, of Frederick, Maryland as the 2021 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year. Kay was selected from among more than 2,500 inspectors nationwide for his exceptional on-the-ground work with family forest owners and commitment to the American Tree Farm System.
March 9, 2021
Mississippi Forester Awarded for Leadership and Contributions to Forestry Community
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is pleased to award Garron Hicks of Tupelo, Mississippi with its 2021 National Leadership Award. The award recognizes the efforts of extraordinary volunteers for their efforts to catalyze on-the-ground conservation impact, provide educational opportunities to landowners, and support work towards his or her state committee’s forest goals.
December 15, 2020
Overcoming the Capacity Challenge in the Western U.S.
To meet the need for more professional foresters to assist landowners in western states, AFF has partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to build forester capacity across priority landscapes, with several successes and lessons in the program’s first year.