Since its days as an independent republic in the late 18th century, Vermonters have always lived by, in, and from their forests. From the primitive logging camps, cedar oil mills, and maple sugaring operations to today’s sophisticated timber and energy harvest operations, Vermonters have always revered and protected their forests. More Vermonters heat their homes with wood than any other state in the nation and yet Vermont’s forests cover more of its landscape than they did a century ago. Although hunting is in decline in Vermont and elsewhere, Vermonters still harvest deer, moose, and game birds from their forests.

We will meet the men and women who work in the woods. At the beautiful Trapp Family Forests and in the main site’s Chautauqua Tent, we will see demonstrations and learn modern, safe forestry practice. We will see how forest products are made and come to market. We will learn how to maintain our own woodlot or forest and optimize it for wildlife habitat, trail recreation, or timber, energy or food harvest. A shuttle bus will bring visitors to and from the main events field to the beautiful Trapp Family Forest each day for events there.