Once a property has met the qualifications for becoming a tree farm there are several things one can do next. Here are a few more to get you more settled in the program.
After receiving certification continue to educate yourself. Vermont Tree Farm and the Vermont Woodlands Association host various educational events which will allow you to grow your knowledge of the forest. Workshops throughout the year take place throughout the state and are often directed by woodland owners or forest professionals. These workshops cover a wide range of topics and offer practical information on anything from keeping your land within Current Use regulations to tree pruning to grading and scaling of lumber and so much more! Webinar series are also offered throughout the year allowing you to learn about particular forest topics from the comfort of your own home.
Walk in the Woods is another great learning opportunity. Tours of other tree farms/woodlands guided by the owners themselves enables you to see other Tree Farmers at work and learn from their experiences while also spending some quality time in the outdoors. If you are up for it hosting a Walk in the Woods on your own property is a great way to meet and connect with fellow VT Tree Farmers. They offer you the chance to learn from others and share about your own property and goals.
Legacy planning is something to consider after certification. This important topic covers how your land will be passed on to the next generation. Legacy planning is a strategic process that takes place over many years, so it is best to get started as soon as possible. This can be a complex and challenging process, so legal advice should be sought regarding wills, trusts, and other estate planning mechanisms used to transfer land. The VWA and VT Tree Farm offer many great
resources help guide you in this process which can be found here.
Finally, post your activities on the Management Activities Database with pictures on the Vermont Tree Farm Website. In addition to the Tree Farm database showing each Tree Farm’s location and number, there is a Management Activities Database. This resource provides information, supplied by Tree Farmers themselves, on the projects occurring on their Tree Farms. This is another way to stay connected and to learn from or teach other Tree Farmers. To view the database on the VT Tree Farm website, click here. A tutorial on how to use the database can be viewed by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJdK8tSW2Y4.