Tree Farm Photo GalleryOur Tree FarmersIn 1941, the first Tree Farm was dedicated in Montesano, Washington. Since then, the American Tree Farm System has spread across the country. The number of Tree Farms has grown to over 50,000 strong encompassing over 32 million acres of U.S. forestland. From Maine to Mississippi, from Delaware to Oregon, these are just a few of the people that provide for us all; cleaner water, cleaner air, wildlife, recreation, wood products and more�Visit a Few of Our Tree Farmers Outstanding Tree FarmersFor more than 25 years, ATFS has honored those members who show an outstanding commitment to responsible forest management through the National Outstanding Tree Farmer(s) of the Year Award. These awardees are recognized for their remarkable efforts to enhance and sustain their forests, and for spreading the practice of sustainable forestry. Year after year, states continue to nominate their best Tree Farmers and the contest begins. State Tree Farm committee Chairs select the top three nominees from their region, a traveling panel of independent judges narrows the field down to one in each region, and ultimately the Tree Farm National Operating Committee selects the National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year.Stihl Inc.® is the exclusive sponsor of the state, regional and national Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year competition. L.L. Bean® generously provides gift certificates for all of the winners. Regional winners receive an all expense paid trip to the Annual National Tree Farmer Convention where the winner is announced. Some of our Outstanding Tree Farmers�
2001 – Barnett & Edna King, Alabama
Century Tree FarmersIn 2001, AFF began a new initiative to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ATFS. The Foundation, through this initiative, asked Tree Farm inspectors across the county for their help to identify Century Tree Farms. That is, Tree Farms that have remained in the same family ownership for 100 or more years. This effort identified 175 Century Tree Farms in 39 states.Stories of family ownership, stewardship, struggle, reward, and pride emerged. These stories are the stories of the growth and change of our nation's forests and the families that have tended them. Old letters, family books, Bibles and stories passing from one generation to the next record historical events and their impact on lives and families. All are living testimony that forests thrive when people - generation after generation - embrace a heritage of family stewardship. The following captures a small glimpse of the stories we have heard.
Ponderosa Tree Farm – Altura, Minnesota |
