Mike and Patsy Schmuki Win North Central Region Tree Farmers of the Year Award
The Schmuki family posing with their award
For nearly three decades, Mike and Patsy Schmuki have poured their hearts into their beloved Post Boy Tree Farm in southern Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Named the 2024 North Central Region Tree Farmers of the Year, their journey is one of dedication, family heritage, and a passion for stewardship that spans generations.
The Schmuki family’s connection to the land runs deep. Mike’s parents emigrated from Switzerland in 1966 and settled in Stark County, Ohio as dairy farmers. Land ownership, particularly of woodlands, was rare in Switzerland, making the family’s first woodland purchase in 1974 a cherished opportunity. Mike was 14 when he first helped his father harvest locust trees for fence posts, an experience that sparked his lifelong connection to the woods.
In 1993, Mike and Patsy purchased their Tree Farm, expanding the family’s commitment to responsible land management. They immediately got to work, marking property lines, developing a forest management plan, and cutting invasive grapevines with their young children by their side. Their motto, “Raising kids and trees since 1993,” perfectly encapsulates the family-centered approach that defines their Tree Farm journey. As the children grew, so did the farm, with the Schmukis acquiring more land, always with the goal of improving it through sustainable management. Mike and Patsy’s children spent their childhoods working alongside their parents, learning the value of conservation and hard work. Today, their grandchildren enthusiastically join the family’s woodland adventures.
The Schmuki family sitting on a rock in the forest
Over the years, they’ve planted thousands of hardwood trees, conducted several thinning operations, and tackled invasive species like Japanese honeysuckle and ailanthus. They’ve worked closely with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement conservation projects and practices for forest health and wildlife habitat enhancement. They’ve created pollinator plots, retained den trees for wildlife, and encouraged oak regeneration for mast production. Sound hunting practices help control deer populations, contributing to the ecological balance of their woodlands and creating many happy hunters.
In addition to forest management, the Schmukis are dedicated to education and outreach. They’ve hosted numerous events, including a "Controlling Invasive Species" workshop in 2022 that attracted over 40 participants. They’ve also supported Camp Canopy, a forestry and wildlife camp for high school students, helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists. The Schmukis’ involvement with the East Central Ohio Forestry Association (ECOFA) further highlights their leadership in the forestry community. They’ve been active members for over 20 years, holding officer positions and attending state functions.
The Post Boy Tree Farm stands as a testament to the Schmukis’ dedication to family, conservation, and community.