Family Forest Blog
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.
October 27, 2023
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.
October 4, 2023
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).
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.
August 25, 2023
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.
August 15, 2023
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.
August 11, 2023
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.
August 4, 2023
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.”
July 25, 2023
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.
July 21, 2023
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.
July 5, 2023
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.