Wisconsinites are invited to Explore

FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK

October 19-25

Join Us to Discover How Forest Products Shape Wisconsin

Wisconsin Forest Products Week is recognized October 19-25, and the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) is pleased to welcome Wisconsinites to celebrate. Forest Products is one of the state’s leading manufacturing sectors, and the week will highlight this crucial industry through a series of informational sessions and a variety of site tours.

WIST is partnering with the Wisconsin Forestry Center (WFC), Learning, Experiences, and Activities in Forestry program (LEAF), and various industrial, governmental, and community organizations to highlight the importance of Forest Products Week 2025. WIST,  WFC, and LEAF are part of the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP).

Why Forest Products Matter

National Forest Products Week has been officially observed since 1960 to raise awareness of the value of forests and forest-based products. Statewide, the numbers tell an impressive story: forest-based products represent 11% of manufacturing jobs, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Wisconsin’s forest products industry contributes $42 billion to total economic contributions and is responsible for 126,000 jobs statewide.

What Makes This Event Special

This collaborative event is unique–statewide organizations and businesses are working together, offering tours that showcase the valuable Wisconsin forestry and forest products that move Wisconsin forward. Depending on the organization, tours are open to a variety of audiences from community members and students to policymakers and legislators to business leaders.

Week at-a-Glance

Monday, Oct. 20’s panel discussion includes key Wisconsin forest products industry leaders, who will discuss the state of forestry and forest products and highlight future opportunities. The conversation will be available for the public to view through WisconsinEye.org.

The remainder of week explores a different facet of forest products:

• Tuesday, Oct. 21: Forestry Management
• Wednesday, Oct. 22: Papermaking and Packaging
• Thursday, Oct. 23: Construction Materials

Additional special events will take place during the week, including a Northcentral Technical College tour of its new sawmill, a demonstration of Forest Therapy, and a tour of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball court.

On Friday, Oct. 24, UWSP will be showcasing some of its forestry programs and forest products content offerings from the College of Natural Resources. School groups and invited guests will visit multiple program offerings in rotational, hands-on demonstrations by WIST, WFC, LEAF, the Forestry program, and Paper Science and Chemical Engineering. Lessons for K-12 teachers can be found on the Forest Products Week website posted under “Special Topics.”

Learn More

To learn more about Wisconsin Forest Products Week, its organizers and tour hosts, and explore available activities, vist the Forest Products Week website.