HENRY COUNTY’S RILEYS FINALISTS FOR NATIONAL TREE FARMERS OF THE YEAR
July 10, 2017
Ellie Isbell
(334) 613-4213
Scarlett and Glenn Riley, along with their dog, Princess, pose with signs marking the entrance to their Henry County farm.
Alabama Farmers Federation members Glenn and Scarlett Riley of Henry County have been named the Southern Region Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS). The Rileys, who own a certified TREASURE Forest, are competing against three other regional winners for the title of 2017 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.
The winner will be determined by judges and online votes. Votes may be cast once daily until Aug. 1 at www.treefarmsystem.org/2017-otfy.
The Alabama TREASURE Forest Association’s (ATFA) William Green said he encourages Alabamians to help the Rileys win the national award by voting online.
“We’re extremely happy for Mr. and Mrs. Riley,” said Green, the ATFA’s executive director. “They’re the perfect example of good land stewards and do a terrific job managing their property and educating others, particularly the youth of area.”
Nominees for this prestigious award were selected from among 73,000 certified tree farmers. Each regional winner is committed to forest conservation and the four values of ATFS: wood, water, wildlife and recreation.
The Rileys are members of the ATFA and have a passion for sharing their 300+ acre forest with others. For 12 years, they have hosted Classroom in the Forest field days for Henry County fifth-graders to learn forest and wildlife management techniques. They also welcome 4-H and church groups, Boy Scout troops and Alabama Cooperative Extension System professionals to their property.
Read more about the Riley’s tree farm at https://tinyurl.com/glennandscarlettriley.