Vermont Woodlands Association offers Forest Landowner Legacy Planning Course
Woodland Legacy Planning
Helping You Make a Plan for the Land You Love
The Future of Your Woods Starts Today
Your woods have been shaped by those who came before you, and the choices you make today will shape what they become for generations to come.
Legacy planning is about more than passing on land, it's about passing on your vision, and your commitment to stewardship. Whether your goal is to keep your woodland in the family, protect it through conservation, or ensure it remains a healthy, productive working forest, creating a plan is one of the most meaningful investments you can make.
At Vermont Woodlands Association, we help landowners think beyond deeds and documents. We help you answer questions like:
- What do I want my woods to look like in 50 years?
- Who will care for them after I'm gone?
- How can I prepare the next generation for stewardship?
- What options are available to help achieve my goals?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to legacy planning. Every family and every woodland is different. That's why our Woodland Legacy Planning program provides the guidance, resources, and connections to help you explore your options and move forward with confidence.
Your legacy isn't just the land you leave behind, it's the future you help create.
Why Plan Now?
The best time to begin thinking about the future of your woods is while you're still enjoying them.
Starting the conversation early gives you time to:
- Clarify your goals and priorities.
- Share your vision with family and future landowners.
- Explore ownership, conservation, and succession options.
- Build a plan that reflects your values.
- Connect with professionals who can help put your plan into action.
Legacy planning is a process, not a single decision. Taking the first step today can help avoid uncertainty tomorrow.
How Vermont Woodlands Association Can Help
Our Woodland Legacy Planning program provides practical, unbiased support to help you navigate the journey.
Learn
Build your understanding of the legal and financial tools to help through workshops, online learning, and practical resources.
Explore
Consider the many options available for your land, your family, and your future stewardship goals.
Connect
We'll help connect you with the professionals and organizations that can support your next steps, including attorneys, financial advisors, consulting foresters, conservation organizations, and other trusted partners.
Ways to Get Started
Taking Stock: A Woodland Legacy Planning Course
Our self-paced online course helps woodland owners explore the decisions, conversations, and planning needed to prepare for the future of their land.
Woodland Legacy Planning Guide
Download our practical guide to learn about common legacy planning options, key questions to consider, and resources to help you begin.
One-on-One Consultation
Meet with Vermont Woodlands Association to discuss your goals, identify next steps, and connect with the resources and professionals that best fit your needs.
Legacy Planning Insights from Our Blog
Legacy Planning for Foresters- A Webinar Series on succession & estate planning for forestry professionals
Summer brings campfires, smores and lots of time in the woods- it's also a great time to start your woodland legacy planning conversation with family!
Testimonial
This process has introduced us to a variety of resources available to help! We’ve learned that there are so many facets to estate planning. We feel more confident and motivated to move this process forward in our family. Estate planning really should be a mid-life activity that families revisit over time as circumstances change—don’t wait until the benefactors are old!
... Read More
— Thomas and Pat, Fletcher
Contact Us
Kate Forrer(802) 214-4848
director@vermontwoodlands.org
Get Resources
Explore our Woodland Legacy Planning Resource page for trusted tools, guidance, and information to help you plan for the future of your land.
Taking Stock
Interested in conservation-based estate planning? Sign up for Taking Stock, our online woodland legacy planning course—designed for the whole family to join from anywhere.