Rollie & Lois Spaniol - Coles County, IL

Rollie & Lois Spaniol are from Coles County Illinois. They have a Tree Farm 208 acres for which they are being recognized today for their outstanding management of the forest resource and the outreach Rollie and Lois have been doing for many years. Rollie says, when asked about his tree farm he “Likes to show it off”!

Rollie is an educator by nature and is retired from a 38 year teaching career. We understand the College of Business and the computer center over at Eastern Illinois University still misses him! Rollie is very involved in the local farm community and is involved in the Lincoln Heritage RC&D, the Coles Co. Soil &Water Conservation District, the Embarras River Management Association, the Illinois Walnut Council and others. Rollie communicates the stewardship of his farm and forest resources by holding meetings and group gatherings on the Tree Farm. The Spaniols have been and continue to welcome school and community groups as well as tours there annually. Large family gatherings are held on the tree farm as well.

The Spaniols have influenced others to become good stewards of their own woodlands because of the outreach, tours and workshops held at this Coles County tree farm. Rollie and family have improved the quality of their woodland by working with the state forestry division foresters and professional forestry consultants. The family uses and enjoys the products from their forest as well as producing and selling mature timber. Many dozens of neighbors from Coles Ccounty and surrounding counties have been influenced and inspired by the example and outreach of the Spaniols. We recognize the Spaniols as they nurture, teach and utilize this forest resource far and above what most farmers and landowners do. Rollie and Lois are role models for forest stewardship for all of Illinois and are well deserving of the title Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year.