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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.
Presented during the Maine Woodland Owners’ Forestry Forum at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show, Cody LaChance, the Maine Tree Farm Program’s Somerset County Chair, opened the Ceremony. “The Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition that honors family forest owners who exemplify excellence in sustainable forest management, balancing ecological integrity with economic viability. Since 1954, this award has recognized individuals or families who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to conserving our natural resources while fostering the health and productivity of their woodland areas.”
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. 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 real objective is having the enrichment of owning and caring for this property and involving our children and grandchildren to carry on our love of it.” Jay and Kathryn stated in their nomination application. With the many management activities, the stewardship of Libby Farm is a true family affair. From tapping maple trees to enhancing wildlife habitat, splitting firewood, and harvesting sawlogs, the Libby family does it all.
Commissioner Amanda Beal of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Conservation presented the award to the Tree Farmers. “We all know how important it is that this intergenerational engagement happens to build our stewards for the forests of the future.” She remarked on the family’s full involvement during her address.
“This [work] draws my family to our house, to our property. It allows us to be together. You know, some people only get together around Christmas and Thanksgiving, but I get to see [my family] all the time. Sometimes they come to work, sometimes just to play.” Jay Libby said in his acceptance speech.
Jay gave a heartwarming recognition to the late Bob Leso, long-time Tree Farm inspector and county chair. “I met Bob Leso in 1984, and he was our first forester… Bob was the inspiration for all the things we’ve done.” With their consulting foresters, Darren Turner and Jon Doty, the Libbys have accomplished outstanding work.
Remarkably, the Libby family implements 100% of this work themselves—thinning trees, logging, yarding, and transporting timber—while also maintaining the roads that allow access to their land and following all best management practices. They’ve created a productive woodlot that produces an impressive 75-80 cords of forest products annually. This includes 12,000 board feet (BF) of Pine, Spruce/Fir, Hemlock, and Hardwood logs, alongside 15 cords of Soft Wood pulp and over 40 cords of firewood, sourced from both their land and their harvests off neighboring properties.
But that’s not all! The Libbys 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. Their stewardship doesn’t stop at the trees; it extends to the vibrant community they’ve nurtured around them.
Every spring, as the sap begins to flow, the Libby Farm becomes a hub of activity, welcoming families from all over to experience Maine Maple Weekend. Each year, they produce around 200 gallons of rich, delicious maple syrup, a labor-intensive endeavor they are passionate about sharing. Visitors enjoy tours of 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.
The Libbys are not just Tree Farmers; they are active members of several esteemed organizations that advocate for sustainable forestry and land stewardship. Their affiliations with the Tree Farm program, Maine Woodland Owners, Maine Maple Producers, Northeast Logger Association, Certified Logging Professionals, and Harvest Hosts provide a support network and a platform to learn and promote best practices in forestry. Jay closed his speech by expressing pride in being part of these organizations.
“The Tree Farm sign on our front porch is one of my favorite signs. I am proud of it.”
The selection process for the OTFY award is rigorous, reflecting the high standards set by the forestry community. The Libbys emerged as shining examples of what can be accomplished when passion for the land combines with hard work and a desire to share knowledge with the community. Their Tree Farm isn’t just a source of forest products; it’s a living classroom—A demonstration of what can be accomplished when love for the land takes priority.
The Maine Tree Farm Program is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable forestry while offering support, education, and community to Maine’s family forest owners. Our mission is to help Maine’s family woodland owners realize the full potential of their woods while sustainably providing forest products and other woodland benefits such as clean water, habitat for wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
Do you think your Tree Farm is outstanding? Reach out to your consulting forester to explore the opportunity of nominating your property for the 2026 recognition!
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