About Us

We Celebrate Community

Who we are

Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center is a unique sanctuary where families and individuals can immerse themselves in nature while cultivating connections with each other. The farm offers a range of activities centered around trees, organic farming, wellness practices, learning opportunities, and artistic expression. At the core of the center’s offerings are the organic Celebration Trees, which provide a sustainable alternative to traditional Christmas trees. Additionally, guests can participate in wellness workshops, personal sessions, retreats, and workshops, with the option of lodging on-site on the Celebration Bus for a complete immersive experience.

Beyond its recreational aspects, Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center aims to empower its community to make a positive impact on the environment, foster a deeper connection with nature, nurture a sense of community, and prioritize personal well-being. Established in 2015 by Jonah and Elizabeth “Burd” Fertig-Burd, we converted to a cooperatively organized LLC in 2020 with the addition of Tom Prohl.

We are situated on 118 acres of land that features a brook, organic gardens, mixed forest, and a network of trails. A significant portion of the land is owned by the Land in Common Community Land Trust, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. The rich history of the land, originally tended by the Ackerman family in the early 1980s, adds a layer of heritage to the center, which is located on Abenaki (Arosaguntacook) territory settled by European colonists in the 1800s. With its blend of natural beauty, sustainable practices, and community-focused initiatives, Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center offers a holistic retreat for those seeking rejuvenation and connection in a tranquil, nurturing setting. 

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission Statement

Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center is growing community through the forest, wellness, food, creativity, and connection.  

Vision Statement

We envision a community that is living in harmony with the earth and supporting one another’s wellness and creativity.  

Values

We honor the 7 International Cooperative Principles and use the following values in guiding our work:

Equity, Inclusion, Cooperation, Collaboration, Empathy, Accessibility, Love, and Compassion

Our Amazing Team

Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center is a multi-stakeholder LLC organized cooeratively with community owners and worker-owners who all benefit from the forest, the land, the barn, and the shared infrastructure. Currently, there are three worker-owners- Jonah and Elizabeth Fertig-Burd, and Thomas Prohl. We also have an amazing group of people who work with us during the tree farm season.   In 2024, we expect to bring on community owners. 

Jonah Fertig-Burd

General Coordinator

For over 20 years, Jonah has co-created interconnected transformations rooted in love and liberation. He has played a key role in nurturing cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, grassroots projects, and community spaces. In addition to his work at Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center, he is facilitator, consultant, organizer and coach with InterRooted, where he works with businesses, nonprofits, cooperatives and communities to co-create transformative structures, projects and culture. Prior to InterRooted he was a Community Partner for Food Systems at the Sewall Foundation, Director of Cooperative Food Systems and the Cooperative Development Institute and co-founded Local Sprouts Cooperative. He is currently on the Board of the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, Maine Inside Out and Land in Common. From developing regenerative cooperative economies to fostering conscious leadership, his work is rooted in the power of shared vision and collaboration.

Elizabeth “Burd” Fertig-Burd

Wellness Coordinator

Elizabeth Fertig-Burd, also known as “Burd,” is a highly experienced individual in the realm of wellness and holistic practices. As a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher, she has dedicated over two decades to sharing the benefits of yoga in various environments, ranging from libraries to senior living facilities. One of her key focuses has been making yoga accessible to individuals facing movement challenges, particularly those with Parkinson’s Disease, through classes and instructional videos tailored to their needs.

In addition to her expertise in yoga, Burd is also a Reiki practitioner and teacher in the Usui Reiki Ryoho lineage. Her approach to Reiki is characterized by intuition, allowing her to offer a unique and personalized healing experience to her clients. With a background in personal training and wellness consulting, Burd’s holistic approach to well-being encompasses physical, mental, and energetic aspects, making her a well-rounded and compassionate practitioner in the field of holistic wellness.

Thomas Prohl

Farm Coordinator

Thomas Prohl, Farm Manager, is an organic fruit, vegetable and tree farmer with over a decade of farm experience. He studied Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire and moved to Maine in 2015 where he has been managing Organic Fruit & Vegetable production and a Farmer Training program at Wolfe’s Neck Farm ever since.

Let’s Connect

We love to hear from our Community!

125 Bowie Hill RD

Durham, ME 04222

T: (207) 653-3319
E: celebrationtreefarm@gmail.com