2026 Vermont Tree Farmer of the Year: Hinesburg Town Forest

At the 2026 Vermont Woodlands Association Annual Conference on April 11 in Randolph, we were proud to recognize the Hinesburg Town Forest as Vermont’s Tree Farmer of the Year.

The Hinesburg Town Forest is a remarkable example of long-term stewardship in action. While it was formally recognized as a Tree Farm in 1990, its roots go back nearly a century. Beginning in the 1920s and expanding over time, the forest now encompasses 1,125 acres following a recent addition in 2022. The entire property is conserved with the Vermont Land Trust, ensuring it will continue to serve the community for generations to come.

Today, the forest reflects a thoughtful balance of uses and values. It supports responsible forest management while also providing space for recreation, hunting, and conservation education. It is deeply woven into the cultural, economic, and ecological fabric of Chittenden County.

Pat Mainer, Chair of the Hinesburg Town Forest Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the many individuals and partners who have contributed to the forest’s care over time. Joining in the recognition were Tom Broido and Jon Trefry, along with consulting forester Harris Roen, current Chittenden County Forester Brandon Benedict, and former County Forester Ethan Tapper. Each spoke to the long-standing commitment to steward this land with care, balancing multiple objectives while recognizing their role as temporary stewards of an enduring community resource.

This award is a reflection not just of a place, but of a community. It highlights what is possible when people come together with a shared commitment to care for the land over the long term.

Congratulations to the Hinesburg Town Forest, and to the people of Hinesburg, Vermont’s 2026 Tree Farmers of the Year.

Stay tuned for details on the Tree Farmer of the Year Tour later this year.