National Hardwood Magazine - May 2023
Get the latest hardwood news in the May 2023 issue of National Hardwood Magazine! This issue features stories on Oak Pointe, Gates Milling, M&M Lumber and much more.
Get the latest hardwood news in the May 2023 issue of National Hardwood Magazine! This issue features stories on Oak Pointe, Gates Milling, M&M Lumber and much more.
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From Dry Kilns To Software, We’re Priming The<br />
Pump To Create An Ongoing Talent Supply<br />
By Allison DeFord<br />
Executive Director<br />
North American Forest Foundation<br />
The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is on<br />
a mission to nurture the next generation through education<br />
– because helping kids become #exTREEmelysmart<br />
creates a healthier future for them, the industry,<br />
and the planet. We’re about science not slogans—dispelling<br />
the myths and inspiring with truth about sustainable<br />
forestry and wood products and the important role<br />
they play in the health of the planet.<br />
NAFF provides classroom teachers of grades K-3 with<br />
the Truth About Trees educational kits distributed free<br />
of charge. Age-appropriate interactive materials tell children–and<br />
teachers–the story and importance of wood.<br />
As of the end of 2022, more than 1,200 kits have been<br />
provided, reaching an estimated 300,000 kids.<br />
The Forever Forest traveling exhibit is another endeavor<br />
we support, through the Omaha Children’s Museum.<br />
Established in 2017, the exhibit is set to travel<br />
to 30 states in ten years, reaching more than 630,000<br />
children and adults to date, to teach the lumber journey<br />
and explore the value of sustainable forestry.<br />
The overwhelmingly positive response to both the<br />
Forever Forest exhibit and classroom kits has led us to<br />
the beginning stages of designing an App for junior high<br />
students (grades 6-8) that’s expected to launch in 2024.<br />
The more game-ified educational program will reinforce<br />
awareness and learning about sustainable forestry<br />
and wood products through age-appropriate topics and<br />
help kids see the potential for careers in the industry. A<br />
corresponding website will make them aware of all the<br />
companies, schools, and career paths available to them.<br />
The health of the industry—and the planet—demands<br />
that we close the skills gap and attract the energy, talent,<br />
and ingenuity of a new generation. Together, we’re<br />
priming the pump to create an ongoing supply of talent.<br />
32 MAY <strong>2023</strong> n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmerican<strong>Hardwood</strong>.org