On Sunday, June 5, Proctor Academy held a dedication ceremony for the Dave Pilla Memorial Forest. A granite marker about a half mile down Elbow Pond Road at the entrance to the Hopkins Pond Trail Network honors Dave and his nearly 40 years of land stewardship and management while working at Proctor Academy. 

In his role as woodlands manager and wildlife science/forestry teacher, Dave inspired thousands of Proctor students and many in the local community to get out on Proctor’s 2,500 acres of woodlands and trails. 

Inspired by Proctor’s partner in woodland management, Jack Bronnenberg of Bronnenberg Logging and Trucking, the granite bench and marker provide a beautiful entrance into Proctor’s woodlands for all who are able to enjoy it. More than 200 alumni, employees, former employees, and friends of Dave’s from the local forestry industry were in attendance for the event.