Tree Farm Awards and Recognition
Tree Farmer of the Year Award
Each year, the Vermont Tree Farm Committee and Vermont Woodlands Association recognize an outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. This award honors a Tree Farmer or Tree Farmer family who demonstrates exemplary stewardship of their land and a strong commitment to Vermont’s forested landscape. Some years, recipients have the minimum of five years of Tree Farm certification, while others have a lifetime of hard work on their Tree Farm property, in their community and across Vermont.
What Makes a Tree Farmer of the Year?
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Active leadership in forestry – Serving on committees, advocating for responsible forest management
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Hosting tours & educational events – Sharing knowledge with their community
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Sharing the benefits of forest management – Engaging family, friends, and neighbors in sustainable practices
Think You Know a Deserving Tree Farmer?
Nominate them (link to Tree Farmer of the Year Nomination Form)
Have questions? Email us
Congratulations to the Raishart family—Mark, Catie, and their children—on being named the 2024 Vermont Tree Farmers of the Year! At Foxglove Farm in Leicester, they exemplify sustainable forest management, education, and community engagement, embodying the spirit of Vermont's woodland stewardship.
Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
The Vermont Tree Farm Committee also recognizes Tree Farm Inspectors at the annual Tree Farm Inspector Field Day.
Inspector of the Year Award
This award is based on a point system that considers:
Number of inspections completed
Service on forestry committees & organizations
Involvement in education & outreach
Additionally, we recognize the inspector who completes the most Tree Farm inspections in a year. While Vermont doesn’t see 30+ inspections annually like some states, completing multiple inspections reflects a deep commitment to upholding the integrity of the Tree Farm Program.
Learn more about the History of the VT Tree Farm Inspector of the Year Awards (ADD LINK TO NEW PAGE)
Congratulations to Ethan Tapper, the 2024 Vermont Tree Farm Inspector of the Year, who also earned national recognition as the American Tree Farm System’s National Tree Farm Inspector of the Year. A consulting forester, author, and forestry social media champion, Ethan brings passion and creativity to engaging landowners and the broader public in sustainable forest stewardship.
Tree Farm Forester Legacy Award
Since 2023, the Tree Farm Forester Legacy Award has been presented to a forester who has made a lifetime of contributions to the forestry profession and the Vermont Tree Farm Program.
Congratulations to Ross Morgan, the 2024 Tree Farm Forester Legacy Award recipient! Thank you Ross for your contributions to the forestry profession and the Vermont Tree Farm Program.
Gallery of Past VT Tree Farm Inspectors of the Year
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25-Year and 50-Year Tree Farms
Each year, Tree Farms that have been enrolled in the program for 25 or 50 years are recognized at the Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) Annual Meeting. Honorees receive silver (25 years) or gold (50 years) Tree Farm signs to proudly display on their land—a testament to their decades-long commitment to sustainable forestry.
It is always a treat to hand these out to those who have stayed committed to Tree Farm for decades!
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