At the 113th annual meeting of the N.H. Timberland Owners’ Association, Ginny Christenton of Lyndeborough was recognized with the Isobel Parke Award and received a carved wood plaque before an audience of 100.

Chrisenton was nominated by fellow timberland owner Tanya Tellman of Whitefield, who wrote, “Ginny Chrisenton went out west to drive her own skidder off the assembly line at the John Deere factory years ago. I first met Ginny while she was still teaching. She was on the NHTOA executive board (1995-2001) with my late husband, Dave. Her involvement with the forestry community of New Hampshire spans at least 30 years.

“Ginny and her husband, Tom, are active New Hampshire tree farmers, having been 1999 N.H. Tree Farmers of the Year (NHTFOTY). They hosted the annual Tree Farm Day at High Ridge Tree Farm in Lyndeborough. As I recall, they were our representative in the regional tree farm competition twice. Ginny served on the N.H. Tree Farm Executive Committee for at least 10 years, some of that as education chair. She was always seen at Tree Farm Days and the Farm and Forest Expo organizing fund-raising and selling Tree Farm apparel.

“When our tree farm was NHTFOTY in 2007, Ginny helped us write our submission for the regional competition. She was present on our Tree Farm Day, helping to coordinate all the behind- the-scenes chores as she was (is, perhaps) for most Tree Farm Days.

“According to NHTOA Executive Director Jasen Stock, ‘In 2022 Ginny led a great tour of the recent pollinator habitat work done on their property for the N.H. Forest Teachers Tour. On this tour, 15 grade and high school teachers learned about the interconnection between sustainable forestry and wildlife habitat. Based on exit surveys from this tour, the participating educator reach was 1,220 students.’

“Stock also told me that ‘She and Tom regularly testify in support of pro-forestry, pro-landowner debates in Concord. These include bills and proposals impacting Current Use, low-grade timber markets and property rights (i.e. game camera/tree stands bills).’

“Ginny is currently serving as a landowner member on the N.H. Office of Professional Licensure and Certification’s Board of Licensed Land Surveyors. Ginny is truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”