Bluffton, Ohio, is set to showcase its best green thumbs and forestry practices this September, with the Moser Woods Tree Farm crowned as the 2025 Ohio Tree Farm of the Year. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the family-owned farm will be the centerpiece for an educational tour on Saturday, September 6, dedicated to displaying sustainable forestry and wildlife management techniques to Ohioans and beyond.
The hard-earned title came after Tom Mills, a fellow Ohio Tree Farmer and Tree Farm Inspector, put forward the Moser family for their exceptional efforts in woodlot management, with ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser stating, "The Moser family has done an excellent job of managing their tree farm, and we hope that the Tree Farm Tour will help share the story of quality woodlot management with woodland owners in western Ohio and throughout the state." A focus for this year's Tree Farm is native oak regeneration, as Moser Woods has pioneered methods like underplanting oaks beneath the current tree canopy, emphasizing the growth of an uneven-aged forest that brings benefits like continuous cover and a medley of tree ages and sizes for ecological richness.
As visitors slip on their hiking boots and prepare for a day outdoors, they can expect a series of professional forester-led seminars, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry official announcement. Topics will span from oak tree regeneration and timber stand improvement to pollinator plots and even maple syrup production, embodying a comprehensive approach to forestry management that serves as both a learning opportunity and a demonstration of Moser Woods Tree Farm’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Education will merge with experience as forester-led field tours aim to take attendees on a walk around the woods, showcasing the management practices in real-time and offering a boots-on-the-ground perspective on topics covered in the seminars. It's a chance to deep dive into nature without leaving the comfort of professional guidance and peer learning. The tour promises the tangible experience of what sustainable tree farm management looks like in a setting that also acts as a wildlife sanctuary, due to the Mosers' dedication to the environment, including invasive species removal and installation of wildlife-supporting features like brush piles.
For those intrigued by the idea of forest management or simply interested in a day of outdoor education, be prepared for changing weather and natural terrain – practical clothing and sturdy footwear are essential. The Moser Woods Tree Farm tour is ready to welcome guests from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with parking available at 12300 Bentley Road and shuttle vans ferrying between the lot and the Tree Farm. Food and beverages will be offered to keep the day comfortable for all. This informative excursion is not only an invitation from the ODNR but also a peek into the philosophy of coexistence with our natural resources and a tribute to the hands that work to balance use and conservation.
