Say Hi to our Owner!
Hello! And ThanX For Stopping by!
As Hivernant's Owner and Lead Arborist I thought you might like to know a little bit about me before you decide to trust your trees to us
Like many families in the 1960’s my family came to Chittenden county when my father (a native Vermonter) accepted work with a large local micro-electronics company.
After growing up in South Burlington I went on to attend UVM and Champlain College where I studied Accounting and Computer Programming.
After earning a pair of degrees I spent much of the next decade writing financial software for Municipalities, Colleges and the Healthcare Industry. Though I enjoyed programming and accounting it was abundantly clear that the passion was not there and I could never “love” a desk job.
Shortly after our second child was born I decided it was time to step away from the the desk in exchange for what has become since a passionate program of studies in Arboriculture (Tree health, Maintenance & Ecosystems.)
At the encouragement of my good Friend Jordan Voelker I sat for, and passed, International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist’s Exam in April of 2004.
Presently I am pursuing a course of study to earn the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist credential.
I have always believed that Community Service should be central on one's life and such involvement has been a large part of my life for as long as I can remember.
My first community involvement began right off the bat with the Boy Scouts of America. I started as a youth member in 1972, became Eagle Scout in 1979 and transitioned to an adult leader in 1982. Since 1982 I have served as a merit badge counselor in several disciplines, held roles at the local Unit and District Level, have been a Den Leader, Cubmaster, Day Camp Director, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster and have played a part in setting up many state and district wide events.
From 1982 to 1994 I served part time with the South Burlington Fire Department. In addition to fire suppression duties I was involved in the Elementary School Fire Prevention Programs, firefighter training, and played a role in implementing a Junior Fire fighter Program. Following an unrelated eye injury I found myself unable to continue serving with the department. I "retired" having earned the rank of Captain.
I am an avid outdoors man and shooting sports enthusiast. I have been nationally certified as an archery and firearms marksmanship instructor. Presently I serve on the board of directors for the Franklin County Sportsman's Club.
In 1986 I married my college sweetheart. Today K & I serve as Marriage Mentors Helping Couples prepare for making their lifetime commitments to each other.
We have resided in Colchester since 1994 raising our 3 of our wonderful children. As a family we strive to remain active in our church and community, to live the American Dream, and to encourage others to do the same!!
I look forward to serving You!
Wishing You His Peace!
Richard Wood