The BYTF, a “subsidiary” of the National Tree Farm Program, and the American Forest Foundation,  has been operating in the East Mountain area of Albuquerque for nine years . BYTF was designed for the small land owner. To be a part of the National Program, a member must have at least ten acres. Many residents in the urban/wildland interface areas have less than ten acres. BYTF offers small landowners the opportunity to be directly involved with high quality, forest management technology transfer.

The East Mountain Chapter has had as many as 100 members. During the 1996 severe drought and fire season, many concerned residents took advantage of the regularly scheduled BYTF events to learn more about the forested environment in which they have chosen to live. BYTF is a membership organization. An annual fee of $25 is charged (as directed by the National Program). In return the member gets a subscription to the American Tree Farmer magazine. In addition, the member is on the chapter membership mailing list, and is notified of each scheduled event. Fees help finance postage, copying, workshop expenses, etc. Non-members are encouraged to attend events. More than often when they experience what BYTF has to offer, they join to be sure of notification of additional activities.

 Each December the season is closed by the BYTF potluck. A business meeting, open election of officers, tour of the host’s property, door prize session, lots of great food, and a time for the members to choose what they want to learn next year, makes for an interesting day.  The new season is opened in February with the Annual BYTF Workshop. As many as 160 have attended. Speakers offer several natural resource related topics, and local field trips are offered. Displays and demonstrations are also offered.

During the season, field trips are arranged as well as sessions including insects & disease, wildlife, fire safety, composting, permaculture, general tree care, forest ecology, fire ecology, forest health, forest management and other subjects the members have suggested. As one journalist described BYTF, it’s “learning to care for your piece of the forest”.

Living in a forest/woodland setting is very desirable. Living in a forest is one thing, living with the forest is another. The Back Yard Tree Farm experience makes that difference.

Our State Forestry Division encourages wildland interface communities to initiate BYTF local chapters. There are some guidelines to follow; they are simple. For additional information, contact your local State Forestry District Office.