22 VIRGINIA FORESTS Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation Update What Will Your Legacy Be? By Jim Youngblood, VFEF Board of Directors Each one of us will leave a legacy. Just what that could be poses a daunting challenge. For those of us who are older, now is the appropriate time to consider what our legacy might look like. Will we provide a welldefined one? Or, once we’re gone, will we leave it up to others to offer their best guess? One of Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation’s most revered leaders was the late John D. Farmer, Jr. For almost 30 years, John invested his life creating a dynamic Foundation that emphasized youth education about natural resources. With scholarships, programs, and funding, John’s leadership offered thousands of youth incredible opportunities such as 4-H camps and careers in natural resources. I am reminded of John when I walk my doggies through my land in Bedford County. Many years ago, John came to me and said, “Jim, I want to give you something I believe you will enjoy: American Chestnut seedlings. If you plant, water, and care for them, they will produce abundant fruit.” Year after year, I watered and watched those chestnuts grow. However, every summer brought disappointment, as no fruit appeared. Eventually, I began to wonder if those seedlings were destined to be unproductive. Still I remained hopeful: “…maybe next year.” Finally, this autumn John’s words have proven prophetic. Those American Chestnuts are heavily laden with fruit. When I walk by them, I remember John Farmer: his dedication to VFEF and his passion for youth education. There are now a multitude of young people across Virginia who represent the fruit of his legacy. All of us can make a difference. You may choose to make a donation, or you may want to become involved with educational programs. A few of us possess the capacity to establish a personal scholarship. It’s been a few years now since John left us. If you listen closely, perhaps you can hear him asking each one of us, “What will your legacy be?” John D. Farmer, Jr., a founder of Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation American Chestnuts VFEF would appreciate your financial support to continue its mission for youth education about natural resources. Please call (804) 278-8733 or visit www.vfef.net to donate. All gifts are tax-deductible.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=