The (Young) Face of Community Forestry

I just came back from a fabulous three-day workshop that brought together leaders and practitioners in the field of community forestry and collaboration. It was actually a workshop that my foundation puts on every year. This was my second time organizing it, and I really put my heart into it--its one of the highlights of my job--bringing all of these small grassroots groups together from across the country to share their successes, challenges, lessons and passion.

And you know what? A lot of these people look a lot like me. They are young, passionate, energetic, forward thinking and innovative. They are working in rural communities, alongside their neighbors, friends and enemies to improve not only their local natural resources, but their community and economy, too. More importantly, they are making it possible for the next generation to lead a meaningful life connected to the land and community in a way that values their heritage and traditions.

But even better, they did not all look like me. They were young, old, liberal, conservative, loud and quiet. And I am honored to be working in the same field with these inspiring leaders.