NEWS FROM THE WCA
Director’s Corner
Building Stronger Woodland Communities
Happy New Year! We are thrilled to kick off 2025 at the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation® (CHPP™) with renewed energy and exciting plans for the Woodland Community Advocate (WCA) program This year, we are reinvigorating the WCA program with new opportunities for learning, engagement, and connection. We’re excited to announce that we will host three WCA Institutes this year! If you know someone who would make a great WCA, please send them my way
Additionally, we are planning a WCA Convening in the near future date and location to be announced soon I look forward to revitalizing the WCA program and strengthening our community together As WCAs, you are the Ambassadors of CHPP™, bringing awareness to our mission and empowering communities with valuable knowledge
Your dedication and impact continue to inspire us, and I am eager to see what we will accomplish together in 2025! Looking forward to an incredible year ahead!
Onward Together, Esther Adams Director, Office of Community Engagement
WCA News
If you have any news you would like to share, please let us know email eadams@heirsproperty.org
Urban Wood is one of the most promising markets developing in forestry. Typically, trees removed from residential properties and in cities were chipped or dumped However, in recent years organizations with sustainability goals and initiatives have turned to timber and non-timber products from urban trees
The European Union has increased their demand for urban wood to help combat deforestation in developing countries Domestically, Room & Board is looking to increase their urban wood intake to make furniture
Historically underserved neighborhoods often have a lot of trees that are perfect for urban wood Communities can work together and have trees pruned or removed and share the financial benefits of urban wood These funds can be used to plant more trees and improve the overall economic and environmental health of these communities
Forester James Williams touring an
Term of the Month
Procedures employed during harvesting and/or timber stand improvement activities that reduce erosion and prevent or control water pollution
Upcoming Events
Free Heirs’ Property Seminar
Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Timmonsville Community Center
Free Wills Clinic - Fairfield County
Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Mount Olive Baptist Church
Free Heirs’ Property Seminar
Thursday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Lane Town Hall
Free Wills Clinic - Aiken County
Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Center for African American History, Art, and Culture
Free Heirs’ Property Seminar
Monday, February 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
First African Baptist Church
Free Heirs’ Property Seminar
Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Old Bishopville High School Gym
Free Heirs’ Property Seminar
Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Word for Life Ministries
Free Heirs’ Property Seminar & Clinic
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Timmonsville Community Center www.heirsproperty.org
In CHPP News...
On January 24, 2025, The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation celebrated a milestone by officially turning 20 years old. Over the past two decades, CHPP™ has developed successful strategies, policies, and procedures to help heirs’ property issues and sustainably utilize their land. For a long time, CHPP™ was one of few organizations focused on heirs’ property, so we made much of our progress without the benefit of lessons and/or assistance from similarly focused organizations.
Tree planting season is typically December through early March. Our team has assisted landowners with tract cutting, placing them in a position to apply for funding at the NRCS.
The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative successfully launched an engaging and impactful event at the Houston Food Bank on January 30, 2025. The event brought together landowners, community leaders, and key stakeholders to address heirs’ property challenges in the region.