Some places hold more than soil and timber. They carry stories, sacrifices, and the quiet strength of those who came before us. Working with the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project has reminded me that land is not just property; it is an inheritance, carefully passed through generations, deserving of protection and intention.
I began participating in the program several years ago to better manage approximately 100 acres of forestland passed down through both my maternal and paternal families. One parcel was originally granted to my grandfather’s ancestors in the late 1600s by the people who had enslaved them. The other was granted to my grandmother’s ancestors under similar circumstances in the late 1700s. I inherited 39.46 acres following my father’s death in 1970 and the remaining 61.04 acres following my aunt’s death in 1997. Together, these parcels represent more than land. They carry a deeply rooted family legacy of survival, perseverance, and stewardship.
From the very beginning, the Sustainable Forestry program offered more than information, it offered reassurance. Since 2020 and working with the program through workshops, conferences, and direct technical guidance, I gained access to knowledge that often feels out of reach for landowners navigating complex systems alone. Having a trusted place to ask questions and receive clear, respectful answers made all the difference.
One of the most impactful aspects of the program has been its tangible support. Grants that covered land surveying, forestry service management planning, and legal services removed barriers that could have otherwise delayed or prevented meaningful stewardship. These resources helped transform uncertainty into actionable steps and long-term planning.
The Forestry Service Management Plan itself became a turning point. It gave structure to my goals and clarity about how to protect the land while ensuring it is responsibly used and sustained. Instead of reacting to outside pressures, I was empowered to move forward with intention and confidence.
Equally important has been the sense of community. The program functions as a hub, a place where landowners with shared histories and values can connect. Knowing that others are equally committed to preserving historically African American farmland, some of which dates back to the early 1800s, created a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
This work matters deeply to me because it ensures that future generations are not disconnected from their roots. Through education, advocacy, and structured support, this program has helped safeguard more than land, it has helped protect a birthright rooted in resilience, care, and responsibility. That is something worth holding onto, nurturing, and passing forward.