Pekin Branch Forestry grew out of a longstanding friendship and a shared passion for working in the woods. Neal and John met in 2006 as students at Warren Wilson College, where they spent long hours in the college forest—logging by hand, skidding with horses, and milling their own lumber. Many evenings were passed in the “forestry shed,” sharpening chainsaws and poring over silviculture textbooks, trying to absorb everything they could about forests and their management. Even as their careers took them down different educational and professional paths, they stayed connected, comparing experiences and trading ideas. In 2014, they formally partnered to create Pekin Branch Forestry, combining complementary skills and giving themselves more reasons to cross Lake Champlain and keep the collaboration alive.
Over time, that partnership became more than writing plans and marking trees. They were drawn to the deeper questions—the places where existing guidance fell short, or where the richness of northern forests wasn’t reflected in conventional models. Rather than accept those limits, they began developing their own approaches. Late nights of comparing notes and sketching ideas grew into new ways of thinking about management, and eventually into tools they still rely on today—like the ForestMaker simulator. That work sprang from a conviction that excellent forestry demands nuance, patience, and a willingness to look deeper. It continues to shape their mission: helping landowners steward forests that are both economically valuable and ecologically vibrant.
Today, that blend of practical experience and independent research defines our work. We bring both boots-on-the-ground knowledge and cutting-edge tools to every project, so landowners can make decisions with clarity and confidence. Whether the goal is growing high-value timber, conserving biodiversity, producing maple syrup, storing carbon, or simply creating a forest that is more beautiful and enjoyable to walk through, our approach is rooted in the same principles that started it all: curiosity, rigor, and respect for the woods. It’s a way of working that honors the complexity of northeastern forests while delivering results that matter for people and for the land.