Women Landowner Stories
Every woodland owner has a unique story.
Some women have cared for the same family woodlands for decades. Others are just beginning to explore the forests they now call their own. Some work in the woods every day, while others find peace, purpose, and connection among the trees.
Whether you're new to woodland ownership or have cared for your land for decades, these stories offer inspiration, practical ideas, and reassurance that there is no single path to caring for your woods.
In these stories, eight Vermont women share their personal journeys as woodland owners and stewards. Along the way, they share the joys and challenges of woodland ownership, the lessons they've learned, and the places that inspire them most. We hope their experiences encourage you to explore your own woods, learn something new, and discover that there is no single path to caring for the land.
Meet these remarkable women and the woods they love.
Beauty in the Ordinary
Ann | Washington, Vermont
Ann sees possibilities everywhere. From uncovering old orchards and forgotten stone walls to turning tree stumps into works of art, she finds joy in exploring and caring for her woods. Read how creativity, perseverance, and a deep love of the land have shaped her woodland journey.
Keep It Wild
Marli | Guilford, VT
For Marli, the woods are both a refuge and a responsibility. Follow her journey of creating wildlife habitat, protecting the places she loves, and discovering that caring for the land means becoming part of its story.
Through the Eyes of a Forester
Kathy | West Rutland, Vermont
Kathy has spent decades helping others care for their woods, but managing her own woodland has taught her that even foresters face challenges. Discover how experience, perseverance, and a lifelong love of the woods continue to shape her journey.
A Part of Me
Judith | South Strafford, VT
For Judith, every walk through her woods brings a new discovery. Learn how her love of wildlife, farming, and lifelong learning has deepened her connection to the land and why she believes woodland stewardship is a journey, not a destination.
Love and Legacy
Julie | Granville, VT
Julie didn't set out to become a woodland owner, but over time her forests became a place of belonging, purpose, and joy. Read how she and her husband built a lasting legacy rooted in stewardship, family, and a deep love for the land.
Something Sweet
Jenna| Chittenden, VT
For Jenna, maple sugaring is more than a business, it's a family legacy. Discover how she is balancing tradition, innovation, and woodland stewardship while helping shape the future of her family's sugarbush for generations to come.
Family on the Farm
Catie | Leicester, VT
For Catie, the woods are more than a place to work, they're a classroom, a playground, and a gathering place. Discover how curiosity, community, and a love of learning have shaped her family's woodland journey.
Building Traditions
Sam | East Dover, VT
When Sam purchased her first woodland, she set out to learn everything she could. From asking questions and trying new things to building family traditions in the woods, her story is a reminder that stewardship begins with curiosity and grows with experience.