Smokey House Center Welcomes Future Foresters Apprentices this Summer

Danby, VT–This summer Smokey House Center is launching the Future Foresters Apprenticeship, a ten-week, hands-on training program for college-aged youth, focused on sustainable forestry practices, climate adaptation, and ecosystem resilience. This immersive experience equips participants with technical skills and industry connections needed to address regional forestry challenges and support long-term ecosystem health.

Vermont is 76% forested, with its forests supporting more than 9,000 jobs and generating $1.4 billion in annual sales. Forest-based recreation, including activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing, double this economic impact, contributing an additional $1.9 billion and supporting another 10,000 jobs. Additionally, maple production adds 2,600 jobs and $53.5 million in economic output. As Vermont’s current forestry workforce ages, there is an urgent need to train the next generation to manage the state’s forests sustainably and meet growing demand.

“I’m learning the things they don’t teach you in school. Farming ginseng under the forest canopy, managing forests for maple syrup production, and building trails for visitors are all practices new to me,” said Daniel Simler, a senior from University of Massachusetts, also majoring in forestry.

The health of Vermont’s forests—and its ability to manage and harvest from them—depends on a robust forest and wood products industry. The next generation of forestry professionals will be critical to preserving Vermont’s valuable natural resources while meeting the growing demand for timber and forest products.

“We’re thrilled to offer this apprenticeship program this summer at Smokey House Center,” said Rose Gellman, Forestry Research and Apprenticeship Coordinator at Smokey House Center. “Just two weeks in, the apprentices are already applying their newfound skills to practical problems. After a two day crash course in trail building with our partner, Sinuosity, they noticed a section of forest road that had a pool of water. They were already equipped with shovels for digging soil pits with local forestry expert Lee Allen and immediately sprung into action building a dishpan-shaped drainage to disperse the water to the forest floor. I’m excited to watch them continue building the skills and relationships that will shape their careers in forestry and conservation.”

The apprenticeship will cover essential forestry skills, including inventory, silviculture treatments, road maintenance, and property boundary maintenance. In addition, participants will also gain practical experience in cultivating forest botanicals, maple syrup production, and local wood use in green building. Guest lectures, expert-led field sessions, and industry networking will further connect apprentices with Vermont’s forestry community.

Five apprentices were selected for the inaugural year of the program: Peter Herrick, (University of Maine), Carmen McFadden, (University of Vermont), Kaumyar Esmael, (University of Michigan), Thea Henry, (Clark University) and Dan Simler, (University of Massachusetts).

“Smokey House Center is providing an opportunity to engage in land stewardship practices, develop practical skills, and foster a reciprocal relationship with the land. I feel a deep connection to this place, and all of the life that calls it home,” said Carmen McFadden, a senior at UVM majoring in forestry.

Apprentices live and work at Smokey House Center’s 5,000-acre property, engaging in hands-on training, coursework, and mentorship from regional forestry experts. The program supports Vermont’s need for a skilled forestry workforce, ensuring the state’s forests continue to provide economic, environmental and community benefits for generations to come.

This program is sponsored in part by the Davis Conservation Foundation, Manchester Lions Club, Green Mountain Power, Michael White Construction, and from generous individual donors.

For more information about this program visit Smokey House’s website at https://www.smokeyhouse.org/futureforestersapprenticeship or by emailing rose@smokeyhouse.org.