Edith Voss, 20- 150 Acres, Christmas Trees+

I grew up on PTL Tree Farm, a seven-acre Christmas tree farm in Marion, Massachusetts, owned by my grandparents until they sold it in 2010. My father and I also ran the Potted Plant Place, a stand selling vegetables and potted plants. Two years ago, I helped my father establish a local three-acre farm to grow food for his tribe. My younger son, now 15, was part of that work. My older son, now 20, worked alongside my father as an arborist for five years. He currently works in highway maintenance for the state, including tree care and landscaping projects. I am a fourth-generation farmer. Working the land is part of my family’s history, and my love for it runs deep.

Vision and Goals for a Christmas Tree Farm Vision Our vision is to acquire an established Christmas tree farm in Maine and steward it as a productive farm, a family legacy, and a place where people can reconnect with the land. The Christmas tree operation will be the farm’s foundation. We want to continue caring for its trees, serving its existing customers, and learning the work and rhythms of the business. From that foundation, we hope to develop additional food-growing areas, practical skills programs, and small community gatherings that fit the property. We are looking for land with reliable fresh water, room for a working homestead, privacy, and space to grow. Over time, the farm could also welcome seasonal experiences and restorative gatherings through Temple Healing and Spirit Feast. Each addition should support the farm’s long-term health and remain manageable for the people caring for it. Goals Continue a working tree farm. Purchase a farm with an active Christmas tree operation, understand its planting and harvest schedule, and maintain the care needed for future seasons. Preserve what already works. Learn from the current owner, retain useful equipment and customer relationships where possible, and understand the farm’s actual costs and income before making major changes. Grow food and practical skills. Identify suitable areas for gardens, orchards, or other agricultural uses without disrupting productive tree fields. Build toward greater food production and self-sufficiency in stages. Create meaningful seasonal experiences. Explore simple offerings connected to the Christmas season, such as family visits, wreath-making, or educational activities, if the property and business can support them. Make room for restoration and community. Develop gathering spaces gradually for workshops, retreats, and events while keeping the farm’s daily work and agricultural purpose central. Protect the land for future generations. Care for the soil, trees, water, woods, and wildlife. Establish a financial and ownership plan that allows the farm to remain productive over the long term. First phase The first priority is to find an operating Christmas tree farm whose acreage, water resources, location, and finances fit the vision. Before purchase, we will examine its tree inventory by age, sales history, equipment, infrastructure, ongoing costs, and the work required throughout the year. Our initial focus after purchase will be to keep the farm running well and make a realistic plan for its next stage.

I bring hands-on experience from growing up on my family’s Christmas tree farm, helping run our vegetable and potted plant stand, and assisting with the establishment of a small farm. My family also has experience in arboriculture and tree maintenance. As I prepare to own and operate a Christmas tree farm, I would benefit from training that builds on this background. My priorities are learning how to evaluate an existing tree farm’s inventory, planting schedule, soil health, equipment, and financial records before purchase. I would also welcome guidance on Christmas tree production in Maine, including species selection, pest management, pruning, and planning for future harvests. Business assistance would help me develop a realistic purchase and operating budget, understand financing options, and plan for the seasonal nature of farm income. After purchase, I would value mentoring from an experienced Christmas tree grower as I learn the specific needs of the property and continue its existing operation. Over time, I would seek guidance on adding food production and seasonal activities in a way that supports the Christmas tree business and remains sustainable for the land and my family.