Page 20 - Georgia Forestry - Fall 2017

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daughter, Amanda Wiley, is the wild- life manager. Her other daughter, Jennifer Brewer, in-laws, and grand- children also help on the property.
Cultivating the land to its current state has been an iterative process. The family first enjoyed tent camping and hunting together. Eventually they used pull-behind campers. Over time they built a barn and loft, and today, they gather at the cabin and pavilion. John has been instrumental in constructing a pond for swimming and fishing and later building a zip-line over the pond for recreational purposes. Waverly Woods has become a gathering place where family and friends enjoy year- round activities.
“One of the things I enjoy the most about this property is that we are given the opportunity to use the forest as a creative canvas to change and adapt to our objectives,” Philipoff said.
Woods, water, wildlife, and recre- ation are all considered in conducting land management activities. Timber is harvested for cash flow and to increase stand diversity for wild- life. Longleaf pine, gopher tortoises, and prescribed burning are also very important. The family has learned from and partnered with Jowett & Wood Consulting Foresters, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Georgia Forestry Com- mission, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the University of Georgia, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The family is not only passionate about good forest stewardship but share their love of the land as well. They have hosted several field days with various conservation groups, including the Make a Difference Kid’s Fishing Tournament for children with disabilities. The event focuses on letting kids enjoy fishing and the outdoors.
Rosalie Morris and her family have created a land legacy, a passion for working forests and a sharing atti- tude deserving of the recognition of Waverly Woods as the 2017 Tree Farm of the Year.
GEOFF HILL IS THE CHAIR OF THE GEORGIA TREE FARM PROGRAM, WHICH IS PART OF THE AMERICAN TREE FARM SYSTEM.

18 | GEORGIA FORESTRY