Family Forest Blog
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.
December 2, 2021
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.
November 22, 2021
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.
October 14, 2021
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
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
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.
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 30, 2021
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.
December 14, 2020
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.
October 27, 2020
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.
October 7, 2020
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.