Between the beautiful weather, engaging speakers, a delicious picnic lunch, tours of full-scale engineered wood building models, and canoeing on Long Lake, New England Forestry Foundation’s Annual Meeting Picnic Celebration was a resounding success! On Saturday, June 4^th, over 75 supporters, board members, and community members from around New England gathered at NEFF’s headquarters in Littleton, Massachusetts to celebrate more than 70 years of conservation.

Bob Perschel, NEFF’s Executive Director, and Philip Denormandie, NEFF’s President, kicked off the event with a brief introduction to NEFF’s mission and programs. Three speakers followed Bob and Philip, including a presentation on innovations in wood technology from Dr. Peggi Clousten of UMass Architecture and Design, school; an overview of Audubon’s Foresters for the Birds Program from Jeff Ritterson; and a discussion on the role of forest management in keeping water supplies clean and healthy from Herm Eck, the Quabbin Resevoir’s Chief Forester. Following the talks, attendees enjoyed a picnic lunch with various salads, sandwiches, fruit, and deserts.

In the afternoon, Bob and Chris Pryor, NEFF’s Director of Forest Stewardship, gave tours of engineered wood building models built by Harvard School of Design students on NEFF’s Prouty Woods. The Design School project seeks to connect the forestry industry with architecture and building industries by finding ways to use local hardwoods in engineered wood products.

Finally, visitors enjoyed a relaxing paddle on Long Lake, and a light breeze kept everyone cool on a warm, summer day. Overall, the event was a successful celebration of all of the hard work and dedication from staff, volunteers, board members, and donors who make it possible to achieve NEFF’s mission. Together, we can conserve New England’s forests for future generations.