14 VIRGINIA FORESTS The Virginia Forestry Summit is an annual event hosted by the Virginia Forestry Association, the Virginia Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, and the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters. The Forestry Summit provides continuing education and networking opportunities to natural resource professionals and landowners in Virginia’s forestry community. The event also provides a venue to recognize those who are making exceptional contributions to forest management and the field of forestry. The Virginia Tree Farm Program, which is administered by the Virginia Tree Farm Foundation (VTFF), consists of over 400 Tree Farms covering 165,000 acres across the Commonwealth. The VTFF takes this opportunity each year to recognize an Outstanding Tree Farm. The Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year is the highest honor bestowed by the Foundation, and the winner is viewed with distinction among VTFF’s network of Tree Farmers, volunteers, sponsors, and partners across Virginia. Award recipients are given free attendance at the Forestry Summit, as well as plaques recognizing their contributions to Virginia forestry. The 2024 Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year is Demeter Tree Farm in Bland County, owned by Dale and Joneen Sargent. Demeter Tree Farm is a 540-acre tree farm located outside Bastian in Bland County. The initial parcel was purchased in 1987, and additional acreage was added over the next several years. It was initially enrolled in the Virginia Tree Farm Program in 2008. The Sargents are an excellent example of landowners who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to sustainably manage their woodlands. They are actively engaged with teaching, research, and Extension efforts at Virginia Tech, King College, and Virginia Commonwealth University. They also have participated in a mason bee research project, frog Dale and Joneen Sargent of Demeter Tree Farm, the 2024 Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year. Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year By Glen Worrell, Director, Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners Glen Worrell (left) presented the Tree Farm of the Year Award to the Sargents at the Virginia Forestry Summit in April.
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