Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) has been selected as one of the 51 winners from each state and Washington DC in the sixth annual Tom’s of Maine “50 States for Good” community giving program. The organization will receive $10,000 to fund important community projects and services that will expand educational programs for woodland owners.
Vermont Woodland’s educational initiative will offer programs and services designed to meet the needs of women woodland owners; succession planning workshops to assist an aging landowner demographic; and Tree Farm program support to encourage greater stewardship among landowners with smaller acreage. All programs are designed to meet specific needs of target audiences while focusing on overarching concerns about the future of our forest.
According to Executive Director Kathleen Wanner, “We are thrilled to be this year’s Vermont recipient of such an honor. VWA is a Voice for Forestry statewide, striving to ensure that our treasured working landscape remains forested and productive for the benefit of all Vermonters. This award will assist us in delivering educational programs to our woodland stewards who strive to leave the land a little better than they found it.”
Non-profit community giving program winners from each state were selected from a pool of nearly 3,000 nominations by a passionate panel of influential judges representing a variety of unique perspectives on human, healthy and environmental goodness.
“So many important grassroots organizations bring goodness to communities every day,” said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom’s of Maine. “For the first time we’re awarding more than $500,000 in project funding for a nonprofit in every state and the District of Columbia that will go directly towards helping people nationwide and the planet.”
For several decades, Tom’s of Maine has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and encourages employees to use 5% (12 days) of paid time off to volunteer every year. For more information, visitwww.tomsofmaine.com.
About VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION
Vermont Woodlands Association is a nonprofit woodland owner membership organization with about 1,000 members statewide. Its mission is to advocate for the management, sustainability, perpetuation, and enjoyment of forests through the practice of excellent forestry that provides clean air and water, forest products, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, recreation, and scenic beauty to present and future generations of Vermonters. VWA achieves its mission through outreach and education programs such as the monthly Walk in the Woods, weekend Woodland Retreat, meetings, workshops, networking opportunities, and strong partnerships with other state and private organizations. You can visit the website atwww.vermontwoodlands.org. You can also find us on facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Vermont-Woodlands-Association/221338507934727.
About Tom's of Maine
Tom’s of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, antiperspirant, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the planet. For almost 45 years, Tom’s of Maine has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. Tom’s of Maine employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher and halal certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine values partnering with its consumers, suppliers and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online athttp://www.tomsofmaine.com/or athttp://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.
Source:RUTLAND, VTDecember 23, 2014– Vermont Woodlands Association