Press Release: Vermont Woodlands Association Celebrates 110 Years of Forest Stewardship with Woodland Festival
This year marks a major milestone for Vermont’s oldest forestry nonprofit. The Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) is celebrating its 110th anniversary and invites the public to join a day-long Forest Festival on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Clover Hill Tree Farm in South Strafford. The event runs from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and features a variety of guided woods walks led by natural resource and forestry experts. Themes include working forest management, old growth forest characteristics, wildlife habitat, climate change, and more. A family-friendly woods walk is also planned.
Founded on June 28, 1915 as the Vermont Timber Owners Association, VWA has spent over a century promoting healthy, resilient, and productive forests through supporting Vermont’s woodland owners. Originally established by landowners responding to forest fire concerns, the organization has evolved to address the changing challenges and opportunities in forest stewardship today.
“For 110 years, Vermont Woodlands Association has been at the heart of a vibrant community dedicated to caring for our forests. Our forests are a vital part of Vermont’s landscape, economy, and identity. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not only honoring the forest stewards who have come before us, but also renewing our commitment to the future of Vermont's forests. This festival is a chance for all of us—landowners, neighbors, and forest stewards—to come together, learn, and celebrate the living legacy of Vermont’s working forests,” says Kate Forrer, Executive Director
The Forest Festival will feature:
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Themed guided woods walks led by foresters, ecologists, and landowners
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Hands-on, family-friendly activities including stream exploration and forest scavenger hunts
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Live fiddle music by Emerson Gale and a cookout lunch under a tent
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Opportunities to connect with fellow landowners, forestry professionals, and woodland stewards.
Whether you own forestland, are curious about forest management, or simply enjoy spending time in the woods, you’re invited to join this celebration of Vermont’s working forests.
Space is limited, so pre-registration for this event is required. Early bird registration is $30 per adult if completed before June 2; after that date, the regular registration fee is $40 per adult. Children under 16 attend free but must be included in your registration.