Become a Vermont Tree Farmer

Love Your Piece of Vermont? Create a Family Legacy

Whether your forest land was purchased or passed down through generations, you’re part of a select group of stewards who care deeply for Vermont’s woodlands. With ownership comes exciting opportunities—and important responsibilities.

The Vermont Tree Farm Program is here to help you navigate forest ownership by offering:

• Education & networking opportunities

• Resources & guidance

• A supportive community to help you achieve your goals and steward your family forest

Do You Have Goals for Your Forest?

Owning woodlands raises questions about how to best manage your property, cover expenses, and enjoy your land. What’s your vision?

• Do you want to grow timber or firewood?

• Are you concerned about protecting water quality?

• Do you want to improve forest health but aren’t sure where to start?

• Are you interested in creating recreational opportunities for your family?

• Do you love watching wildlife and want to enhance their habitat?

• Are you concerned about climate resiliency in your forest?

If any of these resonate, the Vermont Tree Farm Program offers the resources and support to help.

How Can the Vermont Tree Farm Program Help?

The Vermont Tree Farm Program provides resources, tools, and educational opportunities to help you learn from fellow landowners and connect with professionals to achieve your goals.

Enhancing Your Forest

• Improve timber quality, growth, and forest health

• Make your land more attractive to wildlife

• Identify and eliminate invasive plants and pests

• Protect and maintain water quality

• Enhance property access and recreational opportunities

Finding Support and Resources

• Connect with natural resource professionals to develop and implement your management plan.

• Meet like-minded landowners and access practical resources.

• Join a community of landowners dedicated to leaving their land better for the next generation.

Explore more at the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) website. Join The Family Forest, a virtual community for forest landowners nationwide:

Become a Vermont Tree Farmer!

To qualify for the Vermont Tree Farm Program, you must:

• Own at least 10 acres of forestland (excluding your homestead).

• Adopt sustainable management practices and maintain a written forest management plan that meets the 8 Tree Farm standards for certification.

• Develop a Tree Farm management plan addressing four key resources:
  

  • Wood

  • Water

  • Wildlife

  • Recreation

Explore Resources and Stories

Learn from Certified Tree Farmers and get inspired by their journeys.

Attend a Walk in the Woods or other events.

Connect with a Vermont Tree Farm Forester

A Tree Farm forester can:

• Explain the program and help you develop goals for your land
• Assist in updating your management plan
• Guide you through the certification process

Email the Vermont Tree Farm Program to learn more about the program and determine if your land is eligible.

Find a Vermont Tree Farm Inspector