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In a celebration of leadership, legacy, and landscape-scale stewardship, the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) was recognized as the 2026 Maine Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year award recipients during the Forestry Forum at the annual Agricultural Trades Show. Since 1954, this prestigious award has recognized landowners who go above and beyond the standard, demonstrating that a working forest can simultaneously protect water quality, bolster w

The Piscataquis Stewardship Hub Annual Gathering brought together about 20 attendees to explore a central Tree Farm value: wildlife habitat. Kacey Weber, Executive Director of the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD), opened the event with a warm welcome and an overview of the Tree Farm Stewardship Hub model. This approach, she explained, connects private landowners with the practical knowledge and community support they need to manage forests resp

The 2025 Forestry Field Day brought community members together to celebrate and learn from the outstanding management practices of Jay and Kathryn Libby. From field tours and live chainsaw demos to an appearance by Smokey Bear and maple-topped treats to satisfy any sweet tooth, the event welcomed guests from all across Maine. Adding a touch of whimsy to the day, Jay and Kathryn’s granddaughter created fairy houses tucked throughout the property, giving Forestry Field Day part

Since 1997, Maine TREE has taken educators into the heart of Maine’s forests for unique, week-long professional development experiences. This valuable program immerses Maine teachers in the state's vibrant forest industry, giving them firsthand insights into sustainable forest management, the diverse ecosystems within Maine's forests, and the economic and environmental importance of this crucial natural resource. The Forests of Maine Teachers' Tours are a key part of the Main

Nearly 20 people gathered at the Putnam Woods Tree Farm in Pittston, 3 years after a major timber harvest. The tour, hosted by the Ireland and Mathews family (descendants of Albert Putnam who bought the lot in 1901), was co-sponsored by the Maine Tree Farm Program, the Maine Woodland Owners' Two Rivers Chapter, and the Viles Arboretum. Woodlot owners from as far away as Falmouth and Ellsworth, as well as from Pittston, were there. Larry Ireland, the family's “agent,” recapped

The National Leadership Conference is held every year by the American Forest Foundation, the umbrella organization for the American Tree Farm System. It gathers program leaders, administrators, foresters, and landowners to connect and share their challenges, strategies, and successes. This year, Maine had the distinct privilege of being the host state. Patty Cormier, the Maine State Forester and a longtime supporter of the Maine Tree Farm Program, opened the conference as the

The Maine Tree Farm Program is excited to announce the addition of the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) as its newest Stewardship Hub.  The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District joins a network of dedicated local organizations committed to sharing knowledge and best practices in forest management. These Stewardship Hubs are crucial in facilitating meaningful discussions around responsible forest management. By bringing togethe

After three decades of Tree Farming, Jay and Kathryn Libby have been named the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year...

Forestry 101 participants at Blue Hill Mountain. Written by Gavi Mallory Family-owned woodlots comprise over 30% of Maine’s forest, more...

From left: Landon Fake, Roger Greene, and Carl Derian accept the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year award for Great Pond Mountain...

Maine Tree Farm Program Board Chair, Jesse Duplin, talks to Woodland Owner Appreciation Day attendees  Maine Tree Farm Program...

Trailhead at Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, Recipient of the 2023 Maine Outstanding Tree Farmer Award. Photo by Logan Johnson, Maine TREE...

Larry and Barbara Beauregard have been named the 2024 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the Maine Tree Farm Program. The couple has owned their 117-acre woodlot since 1981 and have been active Tree Farmers since 2005.  Their goals for their woodlot are to promote sustainable growth of forest products for commercial harvest while leaving legacy trees and maintaining forest aesthetics, and identify and harvest non-timber products for personal and family use, such as maple

FCCI Winter Field Tour attendees gathered at Bear Brook Watershed. Photo by:  Roger Merchant Written by: Gavriela Mallory Maine’s Forest...