Open Forest Weekend
Vermont’s Inaugural
Open Forest Weekend
Seven Vermont Tree Farms across the state are opening their woods for free guided walks.
Weekend of October 3–4, 2026
Fall is one of the best times to be in Vermont’s woods. This weekend, seven Vermont Tree Farms across the state are opening their woods and inviting you to come explore.
Take a guided walk, meet the landowners and forestry professionals who care for these forests, and see firsthand what’s happening in the woods. Each Tree Farm has something different to discover from wildlife habitat and forest management to invasive plants, maple sugaring, local wood, and more.
Whether you’re curious about how Vermont’s forests are cared for or simply looking for a beautiful place to take a fall walk, come spend some time in the woods with us.
All walks are free. Pick a Tree Farm below and let us know you're coming!
Find a Tree Farm Near You or Pick a Destination
Pre-registration is requested so we know who's stopping by!
All events are free and open to all.
Open House Schedule
Managing for Old-Forest Characteristics
Yaledale Tree Farm, (Derby, VT)
Saturday, Oct 3rd 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: 913 Bridge St, Derby VT 05829
Walk the property and explore how thoughtful forest management can encourage old-forest characteristics and create more diverse forest structure.
Black Ash, Forested Wetlands, and Indigenous Connections
NorthWoods Stewardship Center, (Island Pond, VT)
Saturday, Oct 3rd 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: 154 Leadership Drive, Island Pond, VT 05846
Learn about black ash, its importance in forested wetlands, and its cultural value to Indigenous communities. Visit black ash stands where NorthWoods has established monitoring plots and completed thinning work intended to favor black ash.
Creating Young-Forest Bird Habitat
Jeff Forward's Tree Farm, (Hinesburg, VT)
Saturday, Oct 3rd 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: 2899 Hinesburg Rd, Richmond VT 05477
Explore a 20-acre backyard woodland where active forest management is being used to transform an even-aged, primarily alder stand into a more structurally diverse young forest. The project began with an EQIP-supported forest management plan, followed by implementation funding. This spring, patch cutting and alder removal opened portions of the forest to encourage new growth and improve potential nesting habitat for golden-winged warblers, wood thrushes, and other wildlife. Come see the remarkable regrowth already underway.
Sustainable Forestry through the Decades
Black Hills Tree Farm, (Greensboro, VT)
Saturday, Oct 3rd 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Greensboro, VT - directions will be shared via email.
Walk a series of trails through several forest and timber types. Along the way, explore the different management opportunities and considerations found across the property
Ecological Forestry and the Future of Ash
Smokey House Center, (Danby, VT)
Saturday, Oct 3rd 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: 426 Danby Mountain Road, Danby, VT 05739
Join Smokey House Center for a two-mile walking tour through managed and unmanaged forest stands. The walk will feature recent ecological forest-management activities, including a timber harvest designed to regenerate and preserve ash as emerald ash borer spreads across Vermont. Participants will also learn about Smokey House Center’s approach to ecological forestry and local wood production.
Forests, Carbon and Maple Syrup
Manchester Family Tree Farm, (Sharon, VT)
Saturday, Oct 3rd 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: 481 Krivak Road, Sharon, VT 05065
Join consulting forester Markus Bradley for a walk through this actively managed Tree Farm. Learn about the property’s Current Use enrollment, carbon considerations, recent tree girdling, invasive plant control, ash-tree removal, and stream and brook restoration. The visit will also include a look at the property’s new 6,500-tap maple operation, presented by Kris Lyman of Choice Maple Syrup.
Climate Resilience & Improving Health in a Northern Forest
Pfälzerwald Tree Farm (Sheffield, VT)
Sunday, Oct 4th 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: 1619 Berry Hill Rd, Sheffield, VT
Join Tree Farmer Al Robertson for a guided walk through his woods and learn about the stewardship activities taking place on the property.