A healthy forest is a community of life. People are members of that community.

Wildness is essential to the well-being of the whole forest community. Rotting logs, wind-felled trees, standing snags, large-diameter legacy trees—all are part of a healthy forest.

People can work in and harvest from the forest in ways that encourage its health and wildness—mutually beneficial relationship at its best.

Clean water. Clean air. Beauty. Firewood. Wildlife habitat. Peace and solitude. Timber. Maple syrup. Soul restoration. Carbon sequestration. Just a few of the gifts of a healthy, rewilding forest.

Illustration generously shared courtesy Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont, 2005, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and The Nature Conservancy

Welcome to Vermont Family Forests

Everything our little organization does begins and ends with forest health. Whether we are meeting with a landowner to help them develop a forest conservation plan, or hosting a workshop on light-on-the-land forestry, or stoking the fires of engagement and conversation with pizzas baked in our wood-fired earth oven, we are guided by the intention to grow the health and wholeness of the forest community.

Where We Work
Consulting Forestry
Forestry Reimagined

Read our 2021 Annual Report to learn about what we were up to last year on behalf of forest health in local family forests.

What can we do, here in the Center-West Ecoregion, to address pressing ecological issues in our forested home grounds? Watch David Brynn's "EARTH ALIVE!" presentation, or view a PDF of his PowerPoint.

What is a Commons?

Certain critical elements within our home place are not owned by anyone—they are unenclosed and are shared by all Vermonters. Water, wildlife, and air are all commons. How do we care for them well?

Light-on-the-Land Forestry

It's possible to work in the forest in ways that maintain or improve the forest's health and resilience. Learn more about VFF's optimal conservation practices.