Episode 7 - Skeet and Gail Burris 

Up next on the Land of Legacy series, you’ll hear a true story about love, trust and the Burris family, as one diamond-in-the-rough property undergoes a complete transformation.

To see the lush landscape, ponds, and wildlife on Cypress Bay Plantation today, you could hardly imagine what it looked like when Skeet and Gail Burris first pulled up to their 90 acre farm. Even their banker that went to view the property with them thought they were kidding about buying the place! But like many of their fellow South Carolina Tree Farmers, Skeet and Gail saw possibility where others saw waste. They saw something special in that dilapidated landscape and broken-down old cabin: a chance. It was a chance to bring up their boys in a way that would bond them together as a family and bind them to the land for generations to come. Take a walk with Gail as she calls to her swans, shows you the waterfall that Skeet promised her upon moving to the farm, and hear how she takes her own kind of hunting trips – with her camera. Listen to Skeet describe how he started out not even knowing what trees to plant, but how he listened to the experts and soon grew to be their favorite customer. Over time, the Burris’ have learned to mix hard work with good family fun, from celebrating grandchildren’s birthday parties and weddings, to giving each other creative anniversary presents and their sons an opportunity to create their own projects on the property. This family has certainly learned how to truly enjoy their property in so many different ways. As the Burris’ journey led them to become both State and National Tree Farmers of the Year, now they’re the ones giving advice and assistance to others, encouraging those who also want to pursue landownership for their own families.

The Burris family story is bright, colorful, touching, and truly inspiring. Between their vision statement, involving every family member, following a professionally developed management plan, and their incredible adaptability, this family deserves every award and recognition they’ve received, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to share this wonderful couple and family with you in this episode.

Listen now, and share this series with others, who – like our SC Tree Farmers – love the land and put the family in family forestry!