Bruce and Becky Tammen, owners of Tammen Treeberry Farm in Wilmington, this spring as the recipients of Will-South Cook Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2026 Conservation Farm Family of the Year, welcomed more than 40 visitors recently on a tour of the farm, hosted by the SWCD.

The Tammen Family has been growing Christmas trees since 1956 when Bruce’s father, Lorenz Tammen, started planting them to utilize the area’s sandy soil. In 1964, blueberries were added to the farm to take advantage of the acidic soils, which were not productive for other crops.

Visitors learned about planting, harvesting, and pruning Christmas trees from Sarah Tammen-Gruber, daughter of Bruce and Becky. Sarah also discussed management of the blueberry crop, including insect and weed control and pollination.
Jim Tresouthick from IDNR spoke about Oak Wilt management. Becky wrapped up the tour by discussing the farm’s staffing and management practices. After a ride around the farm, the crowd shared more discussion over lunch together.
The Tammen Family will be honored at Will-South Cook SWCD’s Annual Recognition Dinner on July 23. This year, the SWCD is celebrating 80 years of serving the local community.

Tickets for the event can be purchased from the SWCD Office at 1201 Gougar Road in New Lenox, or by phone at (815) 462-3106, ext. 3.

The Tammen Family