Our Mission
Cultivating Stewardship, Connection and Inspiration
Our forests shape our state, communities, economy and culture. We are a community of landowners, practitioners, policy makers and citizens dedicated to caring for our forests today in a way that ensures they remain healthy, intact and productive for generations to come.
Our Goal: Sustainable Woodland Stewardship
Educating and advocating for the practices of productive stewardship, use and enjoyment of Vermont's woodlands.
Our Vision: Healthy, Resilient, Well-Managed Vermont Woodlands
Healthy, resilient and well-managed forests are vital to our environment, communities and future. By fostering awareness and commitment to responsible stewardship, we strive to keep Vermont’s woodlands thriving and sustainable for generations to come.
Our Values
Stewardship
We promote sustainable forestry practices that keep Vermont’s forests healthy, productive and resilient. By balancing ecological, economic and social values, we ensure that our woodlands remain intact for future generations. Responsible stewardship supports biodiversity, clean water and the long-term viability of working forests.
Education
We provide year-round educational opportunities for landowners, forestry professionals, policymakers and the general public to deepen understanding about forests and sustainable forest stewardship. Through programs like full day workshops, courses, webinars and woodland walks, we empower individuals to make informed decisions about the stewardship of Vermont’s forests. Our programs cater to stewards of all interests and experience levels.
Advocacy
We champion policies and practices that enhance the long-term health and sustainability of Vermont’s privately owned forests. By engaging with policymakers, government agencies and industry partners, we work to promote responsible forest management, including programs like Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal (UVA) program.
Community
We cultivate a strong and inclusive network of woodland stewards, connecting landowners, foresters, loggers and enthusiasts who share a love for Vermont’s forests. Through peer-to-peer learning, landowner-hosted events and social gatherings, we create opportunities to share knowledge and experiences. A thriving community strengthens our collective impact in caring for the land.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of partnerships to address complex challenges facing our forests and our forestry community. By working with government agencies, other nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and industry leaders, we are working to advance forest stewardship through strategic partnerships.
Who We Are: Vermont’s Oldest Forestry Non-Profit
At Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA), we're a passionate community of people who care for and about Vermont’s woods—and we’ve been doing it the longest. As Vermont’s oldest forestry non-profit, our member-supported 501(c)(3) organization has been dedicated to protecting and stewarding our forests for decades.
Guided by a volunteer board and multiple committees, we work tirelessly to ensure the vitality of Vermont’s forests. Our team is based out of our Montpelier, VT office, allowing us to stay closely connected with policymakers, partners and forest stewards across the state.
What We Do: Inspiring and Supporting the Care of Vermont’s Forests
Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) is dedicated to fostering a culture of responsible forest stewardship across the state. Through education, advocacy and collaboration, we connect landowners, forestry professionals and nature enthusiasts with the resources they need to care for Vermont’s forests.
Our five-year Strategic Plan, launched in 2022, outlines an ambitious approach to engaging communities, promoting sustainable forest management, and ensuring the longevity of our organization. At the heart of our work are three core pillars: Protect, Care and Sustain Vermont’s working forests.