CORNVILLE — After three decades of tree farming, Jay and Kathryn Libby have been named the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year award.
The award was presented during the Maine Woodland Owners’ Forestry Forum at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show.
Located in Cornville, the Libby family’s 120-acre woodlot boasts a rich species composition of maples, white pines, spruce, fir, hemlocks, white ash, red oak and birches, and their stewardship reflects this diversity, according to a news release from the Tree Farm program. Under the guidance of their consulting foresters, the Libbys manage their woodlot with the primary objectives of improving the quality of the trees, providing recreational opportunities for their family, and enhancing the natural character of the property.
The Libby family implements 100% of the work itself — thinning trees, logging, yarding and transporting timber — while also maintaining the roads that allow access to the land and following all best management practices. The woodlot produces 75-80 cords of forest products annually. This includes 12,000 board feet of pine, spruce/fir, hemlock, and hardwood logs, alongside 15 cords of soft wood pulp and over 40 cords of firewood, sourced from both the land and their harvests off neighboring properties.
The Libbys also are dedicated to creating wildlife habitats for local species like deer, grouse, turkey and bears by promoting masting trees like red oak and beech and sustaining the wild apple trees. The property includes wet areas and seasonal brooks that attract and support local wildlife, and these features are managed with care.
Every spring, as the sap begins to flow, the Libby Farm welcomes families to experience Maine Maple Weekend. Each year, the Libbys produce around 200 gallons of rich, maple syrup. Visitors tour the Sugar House, where they can watch the syrup-making process unfold while learning from the expertise of the Libbys. The family also hosts educational talks at the Somerset Extension Office, explaining the art and science of sugar-making to anyone eager to learn.
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