Mark and Catie Raishart

Mark and Katie Raishart are raising their three children on Foxglove Farm in Leicester, VT, a small farm and homestead that blends a working forest with agritourism. Their 68-acre property, including sixty-four actively managed forested acres, became Tree Farm certified in 2016 to solidify their commitment to sustainable land management.

The Tree Farm Program’s Four Core Values Reflect Their Priorities:

• Wood

• Water

• Wildlife

• Recreation

The Raisharts deeply value wildlife habitat, ecosystem vitality and overall forest health as Mark explains:

“To me, the range of wildlife we see on our property is a direct indicator of the quality of the forest.”

For them, the Tree Farm program affirms their commitment to stewardship, connects them with a like-minded community, and provides valuable opportunities to learn and share knowledge.

Their Advice to New Tree Farmers:

“Immerse yourself in learning!”

Looking ahead, the Raisharts feel it is important to prioritize sharing our forests and the role of forest stewardship with the next generation. Their approach? Making learning fun for kids and turning outdoor adventures into educational opportunities.

“Spend time outdoors with the kids doing fun stuff," says Catie.