By Jimmy Johnson
For 20 years, I have owned 31 acres of forest land in Warren County, quietly stewarding it with the intention that one day it would become something more than acreage on a map. For a long time, we weren’t sure exactly what form that “more” would take. But over the past year, the vision has come into focus: this land will become the foundation of a humanitarian project dedicated to youth restoration, environmental learning, and long‑term community impact.
The property means a great deal to me because it represents both legacy and possibility. It’s a place where natural systems still breathe in their own rhythm — where the woods hold stories older than any of us, and where the next generation will soon learn, heal and build skills that can change the trajectory of their lives. My partner, Katherine Ellenbe, and I have set the goal to develop a youth sanctuary that integrates forestry, environmental science and hands‑on learning, giving young people a chance to reconnect with land, stability and purpose.
Like many landowners, we’ve encountered challenges along the way. The most significant has been the wetlands determination process, which has stretched beyond six months and slowed our site development timeline. While delays can be frustrating, they’ve also reminded us that responsible land stewardship requires patience. Understanding the ecological character of the property — including what must be protected — is essential to building a project that honors both the land and the young people we hope to serve.
One of the developments we’re most excited about is our upcoming forestry management plan. Rather than treating forestry as a separate track from our youth sanctuary work, we see it as a core component. The plan will guide how we care for the woods, improve forest health, and create long‑term sustainability. At the same time, it will become a living classroom: a place where young people can learn about conservation, habitat restoration, timber cycles, and the responsibilities that come with land ownership.
Our hope is that this project becomes a model for how rural land can be used in ways that are both economically and socially meaningful. We want to show that forestry isn’t just about trees — it’s about stewardship, community and the kind of slow, intentional work that builds resilience over generations.
If there’s one takeaway I’d offer other landowners, it’s this: your land can hold more potential than you realize. Whether your goals are environmental, educational or deeply personal, the first step is simply deciding to move forward. Once you do, the land has a way of meeting you halfway.