The maple tree is known for many things throughout Northern Vermont, such as its blazing fall foliage and maple syrup, but it should be just as famous for beautiful countertops and cutting boards.

The Vermont Butcherblock Company is one of Vermont’s leading producers of maple butcher block countertops and kitchen islands. “So many people think these trees are only used for making maple syrup or for the beautiful fall foliage colors. They don’t realize that Vermont’s maple trees are also the wood of choice for making heirloom quality furniture and  cutting boards, beautiful hardwood floors, and – of course – durable butcher block countertops,” said Sherb Lang, eCommerce Manager at The Vermont Butcherblock Company.

“We take great pride in being stewards of this important resource, Vermont forests,” said Lucas Jenson, owner of The Tree House Hardwoods & Millshop, home of The Vermont Butcherblock Company. “We purchase the majority of our maple lumber from Gagnon Lumber, a family-owned lumber mill located in Pittsford, Vermont. They are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, an international program that helps protect the forests of the world by encouraging sustainable use.”

The Vermont Butcherblock Company takes immense pride in how its process supports the local economy throughout its chain of custody. Maples are harvested in Vermont, logged and trucked by Vermonters, milled in Vermont mills, dried by Vermont-owned kilns, and turned into countertops and other products by Vermont craftsmen. Data collected by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources finds that Vermont’s vibrant forest economy directly employs more than 9,100 people, resulting in $1.4 billion in sales.  Indirectly, the forest economy sector supports 14,000 jobs with a labor income of over $500 million and $2.1 billion in sales.

Jenson is a strong supporter of the mission of The Northern Forest Center, and has participated in the Center’s Northern Forest Board Forum for several years. The Forum exemplifies how the Center contributes ideas, support, and expertise to people building the region’s forest economy. “The Forum focuses on CEO-level issues, and the businesses that participate share their experiences, perspectives, and skills in a way that strengthens each business individually and the industry as a whole,” said Amy Robinson, business innovation advisor for the Center.

“This group is always thinking about the future of the wood products industry and how their decisions now help shape the resources for the next generation,” said Robinson.

The cutting and serving boards made by the Vermont Butcherblock Company are crafted and hand-finished and are designed to stand out from the crowd.  You can purchase items from The Vermont Butcherblock Company online at https://www.vermontbutcherblock.com or in their retail store in South Burlington, Vermont.