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Note from the Development Desk July 2026
July often brings feelings of the “lazy days of summer,” but at the Guild, this month is anything but. As you will see throughout this month’s news, our community is busy at work!
Speaking of our Gathering coming up in Maine, we are in the home stretch of planning. In fact, this week marks the two-month countdown until we all arrive in Freeport! Thank you to those who have already signed up and are preparing to bring your expertise.
If you’d like to join,register and learn more about our plans on the event website. Just a heads up: 75% of our event capacity is already filled, but there is still time to secure your spot. I am so hopeful to see you there!
Thank you for making all of this possible!- Ami Kane
News from the Forest
A Second Chance for Second Growth
Written by Michelle Giles
During one of the May rains that finally broke Vermont’s ten-month drought, Gerry Hawkes welcomed the Guild community to his 60 acres in the southern Green Mountains—his woodlot, workshop, and home. The day began with a guided tour of Gerry’s forest, where northern hardwoods now thrive under his careful management.
Looking back on ten Guild years, and all the paths I've traced, I'd find a trail of memories from every time and place. Maps folded at the corners, boots dusted red and brown, And stories of the forests in communities and towns.
It started with a community wildfire protection plan and lessons yet to learn, A first CWPP in hand and curiosity that burned. Then Zuni Mountains followed, and new paths came into view, As stewardship and partnership revealed what they could do.
As you have no doubt heard, the Guild is planning a one-of-a-kind 30th anniversary celebration coming up in September in Freeport, Maine. We are thrilled to bring together stewards from places far and wide, not only to celebrate 30 years, but also to explore the “future of forest stewardship” in community, together.
Be sure to register for upcoming events that interest you most. Remember to check out the Webinar Library to catch up on what you may have missed, and watch our events lineup regularly for new Guild-related happenings!
In June 2026, 55 participants from across the Pacific Northwest gathered at The Nature Conservancy's Ellsworth Creek Preserve near Willapa Bay, Washington, for the 2026 Northwest Innovative Forestry Summit (NIFS). The Summit brought together landowners, foresters, Tribal representatives, conservation organizations, researchers, agency staff, and community leaders to explore a central question: How can active forest stewardship restore ecological function while sustaining resilient communities and economies?
This year's Summit focused on watershed-scale restoration, ecological forestry, and the partnerships required to steward forests through a changing climate and challenging times. Over three days, participants explored forests, streams, roads, estuaries, and old-growth stands while discussing the practical and philosophical challenges of restoration...
