PA Tree Farm: Inspections, PA Couple Wins Regional Award

By Mike Powell, PA Tree Farm Committee Chair

Greetings forest landowners and readers of Forest Leaves! During the 2026 National Tree Farm Conference held in Chattanooga, TN, Brenda and George Kirik were recognized as the Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. While this is not new information being reported here, it is important to share that the Kiriks were mentioned during the awards portion of the conference held in March. It is always important to share what you as Pennsylvania Tree Farmers are accomplishing and when you are awarded! Congratulations again to Brenda and George!

Another award-winning Tree Farmer team, Jean and Bryon Black, will be hosting a joint Tree Farm and PA Forest Stewards Field Day on Saturday, July 11 at their property in Washington County. Look for the registration information and consider attending this momentous event at the Black’s Tree Farm!

All Tree Farmers will be receiving a letter in the mail, not an email, discussing inspections, highlighting opportunities, providing information about Tree Farmer of the Year nominations, and sharing reminders about hosting a Walk in Penn’s Woods on October 4 and helping us reach our goal of hosting a walk in every Pennsylvania county. Also in the letter will be information about the Pennsylvania Forestry Association’s Annual Symposium on Saturday, November 7, where we will be celebrating our 140^th year of stewardship!

Thank you to everyone who is participating as a Tree Farmer! If you own 10 acres or more, please consider becoming a Tree Farmer. If you have questions or concerns, email me at mjp175@psu.edu or contact the Pennsylvania Forestry Association office at 1-800-835-8065 or PFA@paforestry.org.

More information about the PA Tree Farm program.