Georgia Business Engages Women With the Outdoors
Women are rapidly becoming the primary decision makers for large properties throughout the country, especially in the southeast. Some seek out this role, but many are thrown into it as they take over property assets that have been historically managed by men in the family. Often this comes following the death of a loved one, specifically a husband, father or even grandfather. They come to Danielle hoping to continue their family's legacy by making educated, confident decisions for their land.
“If your loved one was the person who managed your family’s property, then they’re not there one day, this huge asset doesn't feel like an asset anymore,” says Danielle. “There is so much jargon and technicalities that come with owning land. It’s a lot more than enjoying the woods for Thanksgiving retreats and hunting.”
Danielle is a registered forester in the state of Georgia, with a Bachelor’s of Science and Masters of Forest Resources from the University of Georgia. A love for animals and the outdoors led her to the field, and she spent years working with the Georgia Forestry Commission and various nonprofit outdoor groups. Then, a love for people led her to launch her own business. Through her work, she often interacted with new landowners who were unsure of how to approach the job, and she wanted to help.
“I heard a lot of common phrases, especially from women,” she says. “Things like, ‘I don't know what to start, I don't know what he did, I don't know what the plan was.’”
Danielle decided to take her technical experience and use it to help people understand the intricacies of the land around them. She engaged with land management training programs in other parts of the United States, learning effective ways to grow a network of female landowners and to teach those within. Eventually, she left her job and launched her own independent land consulting business in the southeast.
“I didn’t know I was going to make this a business,” Danielle admits. “It was on my heart for a while though, and I felt like God was pushing me in that direction.”
Now, Danielle hosts online programs that focus on different areas of forestry. Women in her programs tune in from areas across the south, including Texas, Florida, North Carolina and as far as Indiana. The diverse group has different knowledge levels, needs and goals. Some own only a small acre homestead, while others manage 40,000-acre forests. Some don’t even own land yet but they’d like to in the future. Her youngest client is in her late twenties and oldest in her early seventies. No matter the background, though, each lady is seeking direction and empowerment that starts with education and community.
“I try to provide women with the resources and questions to help decide what the right opportunity is for them,” Danielle says. “For example, someone approaches them to buy timberland. I help them know if they’re getting a good offer. I teach about logging and how it can be beneficial for the earth when done in a sustainable way. We also talk about things like forestry jargon, reforestation techniques, community engagement and local land ecology.”
“Women are stepping into these roles because we're growing the confidence to go for it,” says Danielle.
"Being willing to do something a little different, to raise our hands without feeling intimidated, to be a working mom & face the challenges that brings. If I do nothing else, I hope I help give women that confidence. Just because it hasn't been done, doesn't mean you can't do it. Go into the field & give it a shot."
Danielle Adkins
www.landandladies.com/contact