Women in Forestry Potluck Brings Connection and Community
- Vermont Woodlands Association
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Press Vermont Woodlands Association
Author Carmen McFadden
Published January 22, 2026
Bellies full of food and laughter, a roaring fireplace washing the room in a hazy glow, and warmth that stemmed not from the flames, nor the food, but from the community gathered together. This was the atmosphere at the Women in Forestry potluck, hosted by Smokey House Center in Danby, VT. Members of WOW-VT, the Women Foresters Collaborative, and students from the University of Vermont and University of Massachusetts Amherst traveled from all over to share food, stories and experience.
Spaced between two rooms, students, landowners and foresters alike chatted and laughed and shared secrets. Early in the night, I found myself talking with Jill and Danielle. Jill was an author, and Danielle is co-director at Smokey House. We talked about raspberry wine, Paris, our favorite trees, and Jill told me I had to go try a “maple fluffy,” a cappuccino with, you guessed it, maple foam! Tessa and I had a heated debate about whether we’d want to experience metamorphosis as a tadpole to frog, or caterpillar to cocoon. Jess brought a delicious squirrel stew, which was an exciting new dish to me. Denise unclasped her earrings to reveal pictures of her recently passed cat, who she described as the embodiment of the divine feminine.
Throughout all the conversation, there was one common theme-gratitude for community. Every single one of us were so grateful for the joy and compassion so easily supplied within the wooden walls of Hillard House. As we watch events move to a digital platform, a deeper connection to your phone than your neighbor, it is more important than ever to remember the importance of community. There is strength in solidarity, comfort in connection, kinship in kindness. I am thankful to all those that joined us, and encourage you all to host your own events. Throw a potluck in your living room, ask your neighbor over for coffee, open yourself to friendship and I promise you won’t regret it.
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