Mary Hosmer: A Steward of the Land and a Champion for Wildlife

Some people see the forest as a place of quiet beauty, a retreat from the rush of
everyday life. Others, like Mary Hosmer, see it as something more—a living, evolving
landscape that requires care, advocacy, and action. For Mary, volunteering isn’t just
about lending a hand; it’s about leaving a lasting impact on the forests, wildlife, and
hunting traditions she holds dear.

Mary’s love for the outdoors was instilled in her from a young age by her father, who
introduced her to nature, hunting, and conservation. Through their time together in the
woods, she developed a deep appreciation for the land and the importance of
responsible stewardship. This early influence shaped her lifelong passion for
conservation, hunting, and volunteerism.

Raised with a deep respect for the natural world, Mary’s journey into conservation and
volunteer work was shaped by her passion for upland bird hunting. The thrill of working
with bird dogs and pursuing grouse and woodcock across Pennsylvania’s rugged terrain
became more than just a pastime—it became a calling. This passion led her to
organizations such as the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) and the Upland Bird Hunt
(UBH) Chapter, where she works to promote habitat conservation for these iconic
game birds.

One of Mary’s most significant contributions was helping to bring the Upland Bird
Hunt to the PA Wilds. Recognizing the region’s potential as a premier destination for
bird hunters, she played a key role in establishing this event, which not only celebrates
the sport but also highlights the importance of habitat restoration and sustainable
forestry. Thanks to her efforts, the PA Wilds has become a hub for upland hunters who
appreciate both the tradition and the conservation efforts that make it possible.
But Mary’s impact doesn’t stop there. She is also a driving force at the Rolfe Beagle
Club, a testament to how Pennsylvania’s hunting culture has evolved over generations.
Decades ago, as soldiers returned home from war, beagle ownership soared, and the
state boasted more than 400 beagle clubs. Over time, as forests matured and small-
game populations declined, beagle ownership dwindled, and many of these clubs
disappeared. Recognizing this shift, the Rolfe Beagle Club adapted, transitioning to
focus on bird dogs. Today, it stands as a premier training ground for sportsmen and
women dedicated to upland hunting.

Mary’s knowledge extends beyond hunting—she understands the science behind a
thriving forest. She is an active participant in the Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum
(RBFF), an organization committed to educating landowners, foresters, and
conservationists on sustainable forest management. With over 70% of Pennsylvania’s

forests privately owned, she recognizes the importance of managing land with intention.
The absence of young forest growth, due to an overabundance of aging trees, poses a
threat to wildlife populations. Through RBFF, she helps advocate for strategic timber
harvests that create the diverse age-class mosaics needed for a balanced ecosystem.
Her dedication to sustainable forestry is reflected in where she chooses to hunt. Mary
primarily hunts on Private Industrial Timber Lands (PITL), including properties
managed by LandVest and Collins Pine, as well as in the Allegheny National Forest.
These lands, carefully managed through sustainable forestry practices, provide critical
habitat for a variety of wildlife species. But as Mary explains, forest management alone
isn’t enough—wildlife conservation requires a multi-faceted approach.

This understanding naturally connects to her involvement with the Kinzua Quality Deer
Cooperative (KQDC), an initiative that focuses on balancing deer populations with
habitat conditions. Over-browsing by deer can devastate young forest growth, making it
difficult for small game to thrive. KQDC works to maintain a healthy deer population in
harmony with forest regeneration efforts. As Mary shares key findings from KQDC’s 20-
year study, she emphasizes the need for science-based management strategies that
benefit both hunters and conservationists.

Beyond her hands-on conservation efforts, Mary also uses her love for writing to
advance the cause. For the past five years, the Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) has
been receiving Mary’s press releases, highlighting conservation initiatives, habitat
restoration efforts, and the importance of sustainable forestry. Her ability to craft
compelling narratives has helped shine a spotlight on the work being done in
Pennsylvania’s forests, ensuring that these critical issues reach a broader audience.
Through her writing, Mary not only educates but also inspires others to take an active
role in conservation.

When asked where she would invest a “zillion dollars” to make the greatest impact,
Mary’s answer was clear: the Center for Private Forests. With so much of
Pennsylvania’s land in private hands, empowering landowners with the knowledge and
tools to practice sustainable forestry could transform the state’s landscape for
generations to come.

At the heart of Mary’s work is a deep-rooted belief in stewardship. She understands that
a thriving forest doesn’t happen by chance—it requires dedicated management,
education, and a commitment to the future. Through her volunteerism, she has become
a voice for conservation, a mentor to fellow hunters, and an advocate for preserving
Pennsylvania’s rich outdoor heritage.

In a world where forests are often taken for granted, Mary Hosmer stands as a reminder
that the land needs champions—people willing to put in the work to ensure that future
generations can experience the same joys she has known. Whether she’s training bird
dogs, educating landowners, promoting sustainable hunting practices, or writing about
conservation, Mary’s impact is woven into the very fabric of Pennsylvania’s wilderness.
Her story is one of passion, adaptation, and dedication—a story that exemplifies the
true spirit of the Lumber Heritage Region and the volunteers who keep its legacy alive.