Want to spend a day in the woods with the 2024 Vermont Tree Farmers of the Year? Mark and Catie Raishart of Foxglove Farm in Leicester are celebrating their new distinction from the Vermont Woodlands Association this Saturday with a special educational event at their farm open to forest lovers of all ages.

Here’s what’s on the docket for Saturday, September 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. First things first: It’s apple season! Get to know fellow Foxglove visitors over Champlain Orchards cider donuts, fresh apples, cider and coffee. Then head into the woods with the Raishart family for a guided tour.

Foxglove Farm is home to a large beaver pond, the headwaters of Seymour Brook, which provides a long list of ecological benefits. The tour will include guided activities at the pond led by Vermont Wetland Ecologist Zapata Courage. 

Participants will explore active and abandoned beaver habitat to understand how beavers influence wetland dynamics, discuss how wetlands can mitigate the impacts of climate change through water and carbon storage, and get a first-hand look at how managed forests can co-exist alongside high-value wetlands.

After a catered lunch, families are invited to build their own bluebird houses and explore owl pellets.

This isn’t the first time the Raisharts have offered educational programming designed for adults and children to enjoy together. Last March, when the sap was flowing, they hosted a Maple Field Day for families complete with a forest walk and syrup tasting.

“It is really important to us to offer programs for youth around healthy forest management,” said Catie, who last spring finished up a yearlong Agricultural Educators Cohort through NOFA-VT that inspired the Raisharts to offer more educational programs.

All are welcome at the event this Saturday — whether you’re interested in learning about the Tree Farm program, are a long-time Tree Farmer, or simply want to enjoy a day outdoors with people who love trees.

Register here.