Herbert Hodges of the Willie Hodges Family Farm Estate in Swainsboro has been recognized as the 2025 Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year, an honor announced by the Georgia Tree Farm Program at the 2025 Georgia Forestry Association Annual Conference in July 2025. The award recognizes landowners certified through the American Tree Farm System who demonstrate outstanding private forest stewardship that supports wildlife, wood, water, and recreation.
What makes him exemplary is his long-term, hands-on stewardship rooted in faith and service; active conservation advocate who helps connect minority landowners to resources; and a generous teacher who turns his land into a “living classroom” for landowners, students, and partners.
What sets Mr. Hodges apart is that his work in the woods is matched by his work with people. A retired military veteran, educator, and ordained minister, Hodges approaches forestry as a long-term responsibility—building a legacy of healthy forests while also helping others do the same. He is widely recognized as a conservation leader, including being named Georgia Association of Conservation Districts’ 2024 Conservationist of the Year, and is known for helping connect minority landowners to the resources they need to achieve their conservation goals.
On the ground, the Hodges family’s stewardship has focused on restoring and sustaining a resilient longleaf landscape—establishing 390 acres of longleaf pine with support from NRCS conservation programs and putting the infrastructure in place to support prescribed fire and protect sensitive areas like bottomlands and stream crossings. Just as importantly, Hodges has made his property a “model farm,” opening it up for workshops and field learning—hosting “Learn and Burns” and other hands-on trainings with conservation partners so other landowners, students, and professionals can see practical stewardship in action.
This award is given to private landowners who practice and promote outstanding forest management that supports wildlife, wood, water, and recreation.
