Ties to the Land

For us the decision to have a conservation easement on our forestland seemed like a no-brainer, but when we started analyzing all the aspects—-what we call all the “what-ifs”—-we knew we needed more time to make a decision. Once we took that time, we got all tangled in those possibilities. It was incredibly difficult to sort through emotions, thoughts, facts, and possibilities.

In a world where trees are competing with the Kardashians, Halo, Facetime, Angry Birds, constant texting, Facebook, YouTube, and on, and on, and on, it’s not hard to decipher why kids are not stimulated by the forest.

Kenna, who has attended two Women and Their Woods educational retreats, explains, “I think the whole family has to be involved in caring for the land—and women are at the heart of the family."

Debbie Clay shares her experience of managing her newly acquired woodlands.

Thirty miles down Highway 40, in southern Virginia, the land rolls gently with endless rows of emerald green crops. Billboards proclaim:
“Peanuts – whole sale and retail! Tourists welcome!”
“We’re not nuts, but we sell ‘em”

My favorite way of enjoying nature is with my son and his Boy Scout troop. Scouting is an active program that helps boys grow into men and teaches them outdoor skills.

Aesthetics and recreation are two of the leading reasons woodland owners designate for why they own forested property. After talking with some local Oregon Women Owning Woodlands Network members it is obvious that recreation is an important element of forest ownership for them. They are out in the woods doing everything from horseback riding to plant identification.