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As Maine TREE's Executive Director for over twenty years, Sherry Huber was crucial in growing the organization and developing the annual Forests of Maine Teachers' Tours. Upon her passing, in recognition of her contributions, the Board of Directors created an award to honor individuals dedicated to advancing forestry and forest products education in Maine. Maine TREE Foundation is honored to award Alan Kimball the 2024 Sherry Huber Forest Champion Award for his invaluable contributions to Maine's Forests.
Al’s impressive record as a Champion of Maine's Forests is evident through his former roles as a University of Maine Forests Manager and Associate Professor, including his efforts to establish the long-term ecosystem research at Holt Research Forest. Throughout his career, his focus on the applied aspects of field forestry has provided countless students with the hands-on technical skills needed to have successful careers in Maine’s Forests.
When informed of his achievement, Al was humbled and in disbelief, saying, “I can think of several others who I would have thought would have received this award before me.”
When speaking with Al, it is clear that his inspiring career was not only about the positions he held and the woods he worked in but also about the relationships he built with landowners, colleagues, and, most importantly, his students. Reflecting on his career, Al described himself as a forester who taught, saying, "I'm most proud of that." He always had a close relationship with his students and ensured that every one of his courses had outdoor labs where he worked with students one-on-one. Al spoke fondly of his own graduate school professors; in particular, he mentioned Ralph Griffon and Hearld John, both WW2 veterans. Al said both men could be intimidating in the classroom, but in the field, it was like going out with an uncle. Al explained that both men influenced how he taught and why he felt bringing his students into the woods as often as possible was so important.
Al’s former student and Maine TREE Foundation Board member, Julie Davenport, said, “When I think about the most valuable class I took in college, I think about forest measurements with Al Kimball. Sure, he taught me how to use a prism and which side of a biltmore stick is used for scaling logs, but what he really taught me was how to listen to what people have to say and to slow down and try to understand what their forests mean to them. Every Nutting Hall grad I know has a story about how Al influenced them in some kind of positive way. People go to forestry school to learn to be good foresters. Al taught us some great skills, but he also taught us how to be good people, and that’s what makes truly great foresters.”
Al lives with his wife in a log cabin, which is a dream come true for him. They have four children and are the proud grandparents of nine. Al talked about his kids and mentioned that they all work in "helping professions," of which he is obviously proud. Since 2018, Al has slowed down due to some health issues. However, when asked if he still goes out into tree stands, he responded, "Hell yeah, I will until I can't." Post-COVID, Al has become more of a homebody to protect his immune system, but he stays active by keeping the woodbox full using his little ATV and trailer to bring in trees he's felled on his property. Retirement has given him more time to fish, and he's happy to catch whatever is biting.
"Al's commitment to educating future generations of foresters perfectly embodies the essence of the Sherry Huber Forest Champion Award. Maine TREE Executive Director Logan Johnson stated, "His impact on a generation of foresters will resonate through Maine's forest ecosystems for generations to come."
Al will be presented with the Sherry Huber Forest Champion Award at the Maine TREE Foundation's 2nd Annual Forest Awards Night. The evening is not only a celebration of folks like Al, who have made invaluable contributions to Maine’s forest communities, but also the 35th Anniversary celebration of Maine TREE. Open to the public, tickets can be purchased online at mainetree.org/events-list.
Al and I co-taught the University of Maine's School of Forest Resources Basic Forest Measurements for several years. Al was an excellent teacher with colorful examples and a true genuine care for each student. He had plenty of good stories for the students to reflect on and learn from, which only came from the extensive experience that Al gained over the years. Al was also a huge champion at long-term research sites like the Holt Research Forest and always spoke to their benefit. For example, see this clip here for classic Al! Finally, Al was a true mentor and friend who was always willing to offer a hand or ear. I miss having him in Nutting Hall!