by Donna Davis, Project Forester, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Connie Hoge was very passionate about sustainable forestry and conservation issues. In 2003, she was appointed to the Carroll County Forest Conservancy District Board by the Director of the Maryland DNR Forest Service. She has served as a faithful and active volunteer on the Board for 13 years. In 2007, Connie was elected as Board Chairman. She has served in that capacity for the past 9 years.

During her volunteer career with the Forestry Board, Connie was selected by special appointment to serve as a member of the Governor’s Forest Sustainability Commission, assisting in drafting policy for the protection and improvement of Maryland forestlands.

Connie also reached out to share her passion for the outdoor world by conducting educational programs at schools and workshops, teaching the value of trees and forests to young and old alike.

The Maryland Association of Forestry Boards Natural Resources Careers Camp was very important to Connie. She was very involved in the steering committee for this week-long co-educational careers camp. Connie served as logistics director for serval years and, later, as the camp naturalist.

Connie assisted as an instructor and supervisor for the Carroll County Weed Warriors program. While serving on the Forestry Board, Connie satisfied the requirements to obtain a pesticide applicators technicians certificate in order to enhance her knowledge of invasive weed control.

Connie had also been a member of the Maryland Big Tree Committee, assisting in measuring and recording champion trees in Maryland.

In 2015, Connie was nominated by peer review to receive the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Board Forest Partner Lifetime Achievement Award. This special award is presented bi-annually to a State Forestry Board member “Whose dedication and leadership for the betterment of forest conservation, education, and sustainability in Maryland has made a difference”. Connie was the first such member to receive this recognition.

There will be a Memorial Fund set up in Connie’s memory to support the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Board sponsored Natural Resources Careers Camp.

Those who would like to donate to the camp in her memory can make a check payable to: Maryland Forestry Foundation. Write “Connie Hoge” in the memo line of the check. Checks can be sent to:

Maryland Forestry Foundation.
124 South Street #3.
Annapolis, MD 21401.

The Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization