Lumber & Forestry
Sustainable forest management providing quality timber and ecosystem services
Our Forest Management
Over 100 acres of our 140-acre property is forested land, representing one of our most valuable and versatile resources. Our approach to forestry balances timber production with ecosystem health, recognizing that a well-managed forest provides multiple benefits beyond just lumber.
We practice sustainable forestry that enhances biodiversity, protects water quality, sequesters carbon, and maintains the aesthetic beauty of our Vermont landscape. Our forest management plan, developed with professional foresters, guides selective harvesting that improves stand health while providing quality timber.
Jason leads our forestry operations, applying his engineering background to develop efficient, low-impact harvesting methods. The entire family participates in forest stewardship activities, from trail maintenance to tree planting, fostering a deep connection to this vital farm element.
Our Forest Products
Lumber & Timber
Selectively harvested hardwoods and softwoods processed at local sawmills. Our timber includes maple, oak, pine, and spruce, used for both farm construction projects and sold to local woodworkers and builders.
Maple Sugarbush
Our forest includes a productive sugarbush of over 2,000 taps, managed for both maple syrup production and long-term tree health. This dual-purpose approach maximizes the value of our maple stands.
Firewood & Biomass
Sustainably harvested firewood for heating our farm buildings and for local sale. Wood chips and other biomass are used for animal bedding, compost production, and as renewable fuel for our maple syrup evaporator.
Our Forestry Practices
Sustainable Harvesting
We practice selective harvesting that removes mature trees while maintaining forest structure and promoting regeneration. This approach, often called "worst first" or "improvement cutting," removes lower quality trees to give space and resources to the best specimens.
Our small-scale equipment minimizes soil disturbance and damage to remaining trees. We time our harvests carefully, typically working in winter when frozen ground reduces environmental impact and when farm demands are lower.
Biodiversity Enhancement
Our forest management prioritizes biodiversity by maintaining a mix of tree species, ages, and sizes. We preserve snags (dead standing trees) and downed logs that provide crucial habitat for wildlife, from woodpeckers to salamanders.
We've identified and protected special forest features including vernal pools, riparian areas, and unique plant communities. These areas serve as biodiversity hotspots that enrich our entire property.
Recreation & Education
Our forest includes a network of maintained trails for family recreation, farm tours, and educational opportunities. These trails provide access for forest management activities while allowing visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of our woodlands.
We use our forest as a living classroom to demonstrate sustainable forestry practices and to help visitors understand the importance of working forests in Vermont's landscape and economy. This educational component aligns with our broader mission of connecting people to the land.
Stewards of the Land
Our commitment to sustainable forestry reflects our broader values of land stewardship and intergenerational thinking. Contact us to learn more about our forest management practices or to inquire about available lumber and wood products.