Meet The 2025 Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year: George and Brenda Kirik
For more than 30 years, George and Brenda Kirik of Union City, Pennsylvania, have been dedicated caretakers of their 245-acre Tree Farm. The 2025 Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, they embody the spirit of stewardship—caring not just for their woods, but also for the people around them.
The Kiriks inherited the property in 1991 from Brenda’s parents, who had run it as a dairy and crop farm. Earlier generations had planted pines for Christmas trees and black locust for fence posts, laying the groundwork for future conservation. George and Brenda built on that foundation, enrolling in the American Tree Farm System and working with service foresters to create a long-term management plan that emphasized both productivity and ecological health.
Water and wildlife are equally important to their management. The Kiriks maintain wide stream buffers along a tributary of the South Branch of French Creek, carefully plan equipment use to protect soils, and ensure water bars and drainage features prevent erosion on trails. They manage 33 ponds on the property—originally built for their fish hatchery business but now serving multiple roles. The ponds raise fish, support aquatic plants, and provide prime habitat for amphibians, waterfowl, and mammals. Today, the ponds are also used as outdoor classrooms, where youth learn about aquatic systems and their connections to healthy forests.
Their efforts extend well beyond the property lines. The Kiriks regularly host forestry walks and workshops, open their land for the statewide “Walk in Penn’s Woods” event. George shares his passion for mushroom cultivation, while Brenda ensures visitors leave with a deeper understanding of sustainable forestry. The ponds provide an outdoor classroom for summer youth programs. They also donate firewood to local families and mentor other landowners, encouraging them to reach out to service foresters for help.
By improving their woods, diversifying habitats, and opening their property to the public, George and Brenda Kirik have created a living legacy. Their forest is healthier, their ponds brim with life, and their generosity has a positive impact on their community—an enduring example of what it means to be outstanding Tree Farmers.