READING, Vt. – The Vermont Land Trust (VLT) recognized Brody Allen, of Reading, Hailey Chase, of Monkton, Lydia Dickey, of White River Junction, and Madalyn Perry, of East Montpelier, with Land Steward Awards, along with a check for $500 each. Five other students across the state also received awards.
“We applaud Brody, Hailey, Lydia, and Madalyn for their achievements,” said Tracy Zschau, president and CEO of VLT. “These students are dedicated to sustainable land stewardship, from working with livestock, to growing food and caring for forests and trees. They care deeply about Vermont’s working lands and apply their learning mind-set to ensure our working lands remain vibrant for future generations.”
This is the 22nd year of VLT’s Land Steward Awards. Since 2005, the land trust has recognized outstanding high school juniors and seniors who are dedicated to agriculture and forestry. Instructors from Vermont’s farming, forestry, and natural resources programs can nominate students for the award each spring.
Allen, of Reading, Vt., is a graduating senior at Woodstock Union High School. He will graduate with his Community and Climate Resilience through Agriculture, Forestry, and Technology (CRAFT) certification. CRAFT program cocreator and instructor Janis Boulbol nominated Allen for his commitment to the program and to land stewardship.
“Brody has done numerous activities above and beyond our classes to be engaged with stewarding the land,” Boulbol said.
Allen pairs strong academics with hands-on skill building. He is raising 15 cattle at his family’s farm. Through CRAFT, he has participated in sugaring at King Farm in Woodstock, Vt., helped plant a riparian buffer, and sold native plants and produce at the farmers market. Last summer, Allen interned at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) and was part of a team conducting advanced ecological research on how plants can mitigate the effects of natural pollutants.
In the fall, Allen will attend Northeastern University to study economics and political science. He plans to remain part of his family’s farm and apply his learning at college to his work there.
“I enjoy working in land stewardship because it is the contribution to the world where I can see the most tangible impact on the community around me,” Allen said.