Congratulations to Jim and Pam Porter of Bluffton, SC, who were named the 2025 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, recognized by the American Forest Foundation and the Forestry Association of SC for their exceptional stewardship at Bailey Mill Plantation.
The family transformed the property into a leading example of sustainable forestry with education, conservation easements and innovative practices.
The news is bittersweet to share, as we learned that our friend Jim passed away Dec. 3, 2025.
The Porters were previously the 2022 SC Tree Farmers of the Year and serve as key figures in the SC Tree Farm Committee, inspiring other landowners and actively promoting forest health with the SC Forestry Commission and other groups.
