Page 18 - Georgia Forestry - Fall 2017

Story by Geoff Hill
A Passion for Stewardship
Waverly Woods Recognized as 2017 Georgia Tree Farm of the Year
Rosalie Morris and her family, owners of Waverly Woods Timber Plantation, were honored by the Georgia Tree Farm Program as the 2017 Georgia Tree Farm of the Year at this year’s Georgia Forestry Association Annual Confer- ence and Forestry Expo Awards Lunch. This 1,000-acre property in Camden County has been in the family since a land grant from King George III. The Morris family has instilled a keen sense of stewardship within the current three
generations of landowners. The family members exemplify the spirit of the Tree Farm Program with their passion for stewardship of woods, water, wildlife and recreation.
When Tree Farm Inspector and District Chair Jim McGurn nominated Waverly Woods Timber Plantation, he knew this family and their tree farm were special.
“After inspecting the property and meeting with the family, I realized that Waverly Woods was the most special and impressive tree farm that I had seen in Southeast Georgia, where I work, in a long time,” McGurn said. “I knew they had to be nominated.”
After many years of naval store operations, Rosalie
Morris’ grandfather ran a sawmill on the property. This enabled her mother to attend the University of Georgia. Over time, Morris purchased her siblings’ share of the timberland and enrolled it in the Tree Farm Program. Her son, John Phillipoff, is the forest manager, and her
Rosalie Morris (top), owner of Waverly Woods, pictured here with her daughter, Amanda Wiley (middle left), grand daughters and son John Phillipoff (front).
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