Family Forest Blog
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.
October 7, 2020
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.
October 7, 2020
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.
October 7, 2020
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.
October 7, 2020
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.