A New Year, New Woodland Adventures

With the new year underway, now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set meaningful goals for your woodland stewardship. Winter offers a quieter season to plan for what you’d like to accomplish in your woods over the coming year. Whether you own a small woodlot, manage a larger forest, or simply love spending time in the woods, setting goals can inspire your journey and deepen your connection to the land.

Here are 3 ideas to get you started!

1. Get to Know Your Woods

Understanding your woodland begins with observation. Spend more time exploring and observing your land to uncover its unique story.

• Walk Regularly: Take daily, weekly, or monthly walks and visit the same locations throughout the year. Keep a journal to note changes like wildlife signs, tree growth, or seasonal shifts.
• Seek Professional Insight: Schedule a visit with your county forester or a wildlife habitat specialist from VT Fish and Wildlife to gather information, ask questions, and discuss ideas.
• Review Your Management Plan: Looking for a good read on a cold day? Curl up next to the woodstove with your forest management plan! Then, reach out to your consulting forester to review your forest management plan or discuss upcoming activities and needs.
• Become a Wildlife Detective: Winter is a great time to discover which animals are visiting your woods by observing tracks and signs. While not all species are active, tracking can provide valuable insights into wildlife presence and how animals use your land. Join us for the Tracks and Tales Full-Day Wildlife Tracking Workshop with Jonathan Shapiro on March 8th. It’s the perfect opportunity to improve your skills in identifying tracks and interpreting animal behavior!

2. Get Involved in Vermont Woodlands Association

Connect with a community of like-minded woodland stewards through Vermont Woodlands Association.

• Attend Events: Join us for workshops, field days, and webinars to expand your knowledge and network.
• Share Your Story: Contribute your land stewardship experiences to our quarterly newsletter or website blog.
• Volunteer: Serve on our Board of Directors or help with events and initiatives. There are many ways to get involved—contact Kate Forrer at director@vermontwoodlands.org to learn more!

3. Plan for the Future of Your Forest

You love your land, but what will happen to it in the future? Ensuring its care and legacy requires thoughtful planning.

• Explore Options: From writing a legacy letter to establishing a conservation easement, there are tools to help pass your stewardship values on to future generations.
• Learn More: Enroll in Taking Stock, our online course in legacy planning, or email Eliza Orne at eliza@vermontwoodlands.org, our Legacy Planning Program Lead, for personalized guidance and resources.

Start the year with purpose and make 2025 a year of deeper connection, learning, and action in your woodlands.

Which goals will you tackle first?