16 VIRGINIA FORESTS The Virginia Forestry Summit provides continuing education and networking opportunities to natural resource professionals and landowners in Virginia’s forestry community. The Summit also provides a venue to recognize those who are making exceptional contributions to forest management and the field of forestry. The Virginia Tree Farm Foundation takes this opportunity each year to recognize Outstanding Tree Farmers and Tree Farm Inspectors. The award recipients are given free attendance at the Summit, as well as plaques recognizing their contributions to Virginia forestry. Rod Walker is Virginia’s 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year is the highest honor bestowed by the Foundation. The winner is viewed with distinction among VTFF’s network of Tree Farmers, volunteers, sponsors, and partners across Virginia. The 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year is not your typical landowner or Tree Farmer. He has the resources and the passion to make a difference on the landscape and in his community. The 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year is the owner of Middle Mountain Tree Farm Land Trust in Albemarle County, Rod Walker. Rod is an excellent example of a landowner who has gone above and beyond in his efforts to sustainably manage his woodlands. He is actively engaged with teaching, research, and Extension efforts at both Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. As a neighbor to the Shenandoah National Park, Rod recognized early on in his ownership that what he did, or didn’t do, on his property, would impact the larger landscape as well. As such, he took it upon himself to start the first Cooperative Weed Management organization in Virginia, Blue Ridge PRISM, to tackle what he saw as a significant threat to our forests—non-native invasives. Blue Ridge PRISM offers educational programs and materials to woodland owners on non-native identification and control. Rod was presented with a custom Tree Farm sign acknowledging his achievements and will go on to compete for Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year at the regional level in 2024. Rod Walker of Middle Mountain Tree Farm Land Trust (left) is the 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, nominated by Jennifer Gagnon, Virginia Tech (right). Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year and Outstanding Volunteers By Jennifer Gagnon, Virginia Tech Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTY1NDIzOQ==