Woodlands Legacy Planning
Your land is important to you. Planning for the future may be one of the most important steps you can take as landowner.
Planning for the future of your land can help you reach your personal and financial goals, while ensuring your land remains intact, and well stewarded into the future. Vermont Woodlands Association is here to help! Our Woodland Legacy Planning program supports landowners in understanding their options and making informed decisions about the future of their land. Whether you have no heirs, or many heirs, there are options available to help you meet your goals!
While many landowners have a clear vision of what they want to happen to their woodlands once they can no longer steward it, these wishes may not come to fruition without a plan in place. Passing your woodlands on to the next generation in a way that honors your goals requires more than a will. Whether you are new to landowning or have owned your land for decades, we are here to support you in developing a plan for the future of your land.
We offer several educational programs throughout the year to help forest landowners and forestry professionals become more informed about the options available to landowners.
Taking Stock: Building Your Woodland Legacy
A Comprehensive Estate Planning Course for Woodland Owners
In this cohort-based hybrid course, participants will explore vital aspects of legacy planning—including personal, familial, and legal considerations—through expert insights and peer collaboration.
By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped to craft a comprehensive stewardship and estate plan aligned with their values.
- Engage in workshops supported by experts and peer to peer learning
- Share and learn from fellow landowners
- Gain access to curated resources
- Build a supportive community of woodland owners
Course Details
- Course Dates: November 2024 – March 2025
- Cost: $100 per family (Includes course materials, one-on-one assistance, and a Vermont-specific legacy planning workbook.)
- Format: A hybrid model with online learning, live webinars, and in-person sessions at regional locations
What’s Included in the Course?
Online Learning- Access recorded presentations and valuable resources to explore at your own pace.
Live Webinars- Join monthly live webinars on key topics:
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- Getting Started and Establishing Goals: November 13
- Future Stewardship Options: December 11
- Engaging Others in Your Planning: February 12
Regional In-Person Sessions- Participate in in-depth discussions and activities in your local community:
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- Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury
- Lawyer Night: January 30
- Next Steps: March 13
- Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP, Woodstock
- Lawyer Night: January 8
- Next Steps: March 12
- Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, Marlboro
- Lawyer Night: January 15
- Next Steps: March 6
- Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury
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Why Should You Sign Up?
- Protect Your Legacy: Gain confidence in your estate planning decisions and ensure the future of your woodland.
- Meet the Experts: Access professional advice on complex legal and financial matters.
- Build a Community: Connect with other woodland owners and share insights on legacy planning.
- Personalized Support: Receive one-on-one assistance to tailor your plan to your specific needs.
Register NOW
Questions? Contact Eliza at eliza@vermontwoodlands.org
Here’s what past Taking Stock participants have said about the course:
“My husband and I gained immense value from participating in this class! While this is a sensitive topic, the presenters and course facilitator provided us with lots of tools and strategies to delve deeper into securing the future of our forests.”
“We value hearing their stories and interacting with them.”
“We were pleasantly surprised to learn that our daughter, who lives far away, is actually very interested in preserving the property. We have much to discuss when our family reunites this summer.”
Individual Transfer Planning Advising and Coaching
Are you looking for individualized support to guide you through the process of considering your options? Individual landowner advising is available! Working with VWA’s Forest Landowner Outreach Specialist, Eliza Orne, you will have regular coaching sessions to help you create a plan for your land and legacy. If you have any questions, please reach out!
Your time with Eliza will consist of an initial meeting, working together to form an action plan, support through all steps of the process, and valuable resources, tools, and strategies shared with you.
Email Eliza today for an initial 30 minute consultation to get started!