2024: It’s More than an Industry
In 1960, President Eisenhower proclaimed the third week in October “National Forest Products Week”. In the years since, every president has continued the tradition and this week continues to be a time to recognize and celebrate the essential role forests play in the environment and economy. In 2020, Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed the third week of October “Woods to Goods Week”. This week is used to promote the Alabama forest products industry’s professionals, resources, companies, products, and environmental and economic impact.
In the years since 2020, students have taken field trips to future forest industry employers, industry has donated thousands of dollars to local schools, public officials have joined industry professionals for educational visits, loggers have been recognized for their outstanding work in the woods and much more.
What happens during Woods to Goods Week?
High School Forestry Field Days- ForestryWorks® partners with forest industry companies and landowners to host day long field trips for high school students to gain exposure to the processes and variety of career opportunities available to them in the forest industry. The field trips start in the logging woods and allow students to experience the industry - from “seed to shelf”.
Women in the Woods- AFA works with a variety of state partners to host an interactive learning opportunity for women who serve as community, state, and industry leaders to learn more about Alabama’s sustainable forest industry, active forest management and conservation.
Mill Tours- AFA works with forest products manufacturing companies to host and educate community leaders about forest products manufacturing and the needs and processes of these production facilities.
Log Site Visits- In conjunction with mill tours, community and state leaders are invited to visit a working forest, watch timber harvesting practices and meet loggers from across the state to understand sustainable forestry practices.
Tiny Timber Crew Readings- Industry members partner with ForestryWorks® to read and donate copies of the Tiny Timber Crew series to k-2nd grade classrooms and libraries across the state.
Landowner Field Days- AFF works with various conservation partners to host educational events for Alabama’s forest landowners to promote sound forest management practices.
Lunching with Loggers- AFF, ALC and AFA staff members visit logging jobs throughout the state to visit with logger and provide lunch as a “thank you” for their tireless work for the industry.
Forest Products Donations- With participating industry throughout the state, ForestryWorks® coordinates donations of forest products and money to local schools. Monetary donations from industry members will be used to purchase school-specific needed products.
and more! - Have an idea to help grow Woods to Goods Week? Let us know!