Sustainable stewardship

Judy and Dwight Batts of Wilson County recently were named 2014 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Tree Farm System, a program of the American Forest Foundation (AFF). The Batts were chosen from among 82,000 tree farmers nationwide.

Dwight, Judy and their children and grandchildren carefully manage their 375 ATFS-certified acres of woodland for timber, water quality, wildlife habitat, education and recreation at Batts Tree Farm, their family homestead located about nine miles from Tarboro.

Through hard work they’ve established 60 acres of longleaf pines, a native species that has declined dramatically in the Southeast. The couple raises and releases quail, maintains nest boxes for mallard, pintail and wood ducks, and their bluebird nest boxes produce between 200 and 250 chicks annually. Dwight is a certified prescribed burner and beekeeper and their wildflowers, grasses and clovers support bees and other pollinating insects.

The Batts farm has hosted more than 1,500 visitors and also won the North Carolina Tree Farmer award in 2012. School groups interested in a possible farm tour this fall or spring may call (252) 291-5356 or email dwightjudy@nc.rr.com.