Finalists Selected for New England Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2025 New England Leopold Conservation Award.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation, and American Farmland Trust-New England.

The finalists are:

Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods Initiative, Maine. Since 2003, this effort has conserved 114.000 acres of forestland straddling the Appalachian Trail in the 100 Mile Wilderness Area of Piscataquis County, Maine. AMC has removed barriers to fish passage, reopening 147 miles of rivers and streams for wild, native brook trout and the endangered Atlantic salmon. Its goal is to create a new economic model for forestland ownership.

Dawn Land Farm, Barre, Vermont. Amber Tamm Canty and Tanama Varas have developed a climate-adaptive farming system while growing fruit, vegetables, and flowers. They are building soil, managing pests, and enhancing wildlife habitat. Their alley cropping and silvopasture systems integrate fruit and nut production with pasture management and crop rotation. No-mow zones were designed to support migratory birds, beneficial insects, and other wildlife.

Sweetland Farm of Norwich, Vermont. Norah Lake grows orchard fruit, vegetables, and hay and raises pastured pork and poultry. Rotational grazing and cover cropping practices are used to improve soil health and reduce erosion. Wildlife corridors have been established along farm fields and riparian and wetland areas have been established and preserved. Invasive species are being eliminating from forests, and thousands of wildlife-friendly trees have been planted.

The Corse Farm Dairy of Whitingham, Vermont. Leon, Linda, and Abbie Corse are organic dairy farmers who improve water infiltration with rotational grazing and no-till practices. Cattle lanes were installed to keep cattle away from wetlands and a stream to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat. Leon serves as a mentor in the national Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program. The Corses consult with a professional forester to manage 200 acres of forest land.

Owners of forestland and farmland in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of New England agricultural, forestry and conservation leaders reviewed the applications. The award recipient will be revealed this fall.

The first New England Leopold Conservation Award was presented in 2019. Last year’s recipient was Hidden Valley Farm of Whitefield, Maine.

The New England Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, New England Forestry Foundation, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit East, David and Ann Ingram, and LandVest.

“While many farmers and forestland owners practice excellent land stewardship, only a select few go the extra mile to model their management to others,” said Ryan Owens, New England Forestry Foundation Executive Director. “This year’s finalists distinguish themselves for their extraordinary efforts to mentor, teach, and inspire in the pursuit of transforming farming and forestry.”

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.