The two-minute video showcases the journey of Pennsylvania wood products. The story begins with harvesting a tree in our state’s sustainable forest and ends at Penn State University’s Recital Hall, where final wood products are part of the design and construction. The Hall has been nationally recognized for its architectural use of sustainable wood products.
Project Details
The Keystone Wood Products Association (KWPA) is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of Pennsylvania’s hardwood industry. Through school visits, community events, and digital outreach, KWPA helps people better understand the process of transforming trees into wood products and the industry’s economic and environmental significance.
Pennsylvania is home to 16.6 million acres of forestland, making it the largest hardwood-producing state in the nation. Known worldwide for its high-quality and sustainable hardwoods, the state leads the country in hardwood lumber production and exports. Pennsylvania forests provide wood for veneers, cabinetry, flooring, baseball bats, snowboards, bicycles, and more, supporting an industry that employs over 63,000 people and drives economic growth.
To further public awareness, KWPA developed an educational video showcasing the wood product manufacturing process—from tree harvesting and sawmill processing to secondary milling and finished products. Since launching on April 12, 2021, the video has reached thousands of viewers across YouTube, social media, and partner websites, including those of Penn State University, Dwight Lewis Lumber Company, and Lewis Lumber Products.
As more people engage with this resource, awareness of the hardwood industry’s sustainability, craftsmanship, and contributions will continue to grow, reinforcing the vital role Pennsylvania’s forests play in daily life.
Cultivating Growth and Preserving Heritage Through Partnership
By empowering local organizations and communities through our mini-grant program, we foster collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, ultimately strengthening the economic and cultural fabric of the region. We believe that by working together, we can create a sustainable future that honors our rich lumber heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and development. If you represent an eligible organization and have a project that aligns with our goals, we encourage you to apply for our mini-grant program and join us in our mission to build a thriving, sustainable region that celebrates its lumber heritage while embracing innovation and progress.
