In The Woods with 2,500 students

There’s nothing like getting people out in the woods to let them gain a better understanding of how forest management and logging operations really work. And when there are 2,500 students involved, it’s even more rewarding.

For the seventh year, the Pacific Logging Congress held their In the Woods Show – this year it was Sept. 25-27 in Molalla at the Port Blakely Tree Farm. Over two days, those 2,500 students in grades 5-12 (and more than 500 teachers and parent chaperones) got firsthand looks at logging operations, tree planting, wildlife displays, biomass production and more.

They got to see thinning and final-cut timber harvests and how grinders are involved in wood-to-energy operations. And they had the chance to talk and ask questions with representatives from 42 different vendors involved in logging or forest products activities. Hundreds of volunteers from the forest sector and a variety of education organizations provided their support and time to make the experience safe and successful.