From left: Landon Fake, Roger Greene, and Carl Derian accept the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year award for Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, presented by Maine Tree Farm Board President, Jesse Duplin.
Written by: Gavi Mallory
The 2023 Forestry Field Day was held at Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust in Orland on Sunday, September 10. Forecasted showers held off, giving participants a beautiful fall day to soak in all the learning, scenery, and recreation the Trust’s Wildlands property offers.
The day opened with tours geared towards each side of the Tree Farm sign: Wood, Water, Habitat, and Recreation. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Private Lands Wildlife Biologist and Field Day tour leader Joe Roy shared, “The wildlife habitat discussion was well attended and full of excellent conversations about the exemplary work the Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust has done to improve wildlife habitat. Many in attendance shared their experiences state and nationwide, managing wildlife habitat. This highlighted how important this event is in establishing peer networks to discuss meaningful conservation and management strategies.”
Tours were followed by lunch, provided by Brother Shucker food truck. Attendees gathered under the main tent for presentations and the awards ceremony. Presenters spoke about the importance of forestry in Maine and their appreciation for the exemplary stewardship practices GPMCT showcases for the community. Maine State Senator, and 2018 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, Russel Black, shared how impressed he was with the work forester Roger Greene had led on the property. He emphasized the importance of leadership from organizations like Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust in stewarding Maine’s forested landscape.
In the afternoon, attendees meandered the exhibitor tent and watched equipment demonstrations while 5th Fret, a local string band, played bluegrass tunes. Some morning tours were repeated, and US Olympian and National Champion rider, designer, and builder, Adam Craig, led a community mountain bike ride.
“Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, led by forester Roger Greene, continues to rehabilitate the forest. They are doing great work in Beech removal, crop tree release, along with heavy and light thinnings. Even more impressive is the number of acres that they have been able to treat, over 1600 acres!” reflected nominating Tree Farm Program inspector, Kevin Allcroft.
In follow-up to the big day, Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust shared, “Our board members, staff, and volunteers were thrilled to host the Forestry Field Day, where we witnessed a gathering that brought together landowners, community members, and dedicated organizations, all with the goal and commitment to sustainably stewarding our woodlands. This event showcased our efforts and reinforced connections that will help us continue our work in preserving and protecting the Wildlands. Thank you to Maine Woodland Owners and the Maine Tree Farm Program for recognizing our forestry efforts, as well as to the Maine Forest Service, vendors, and sponsors who helped make the event possible.”
