The Forest (Forestry & Harvesting)
In this first lecture of the week, students are introduced to the different forest types, growth regions, and management strategies for growing trees. Students will also learn harvesting methods and about the methods used for forest inventories.
Off-site Tour
Students will visit a nearby forestland to see the characteristics of a forest and reinforce their learnings from The Forest lecture.
Wood Basics & Anatomy
This lecture will cover the basic properties of wood through information about tree growth, anatomy, wood and water, and strength properties. This lecture creates the base knowledge about wood to help understand how and why wood products have the properties they have.
Composites and Engineered Wood Products (EWP)
This lecture will give students an overview of the breakdown of wood in the creation of composite products using different raw materials from the tree. Students will also learn the correct application of engineered products.
Lumber Manufacturing
As a preview to visiting local mills, this lecture provides an overview of the primary manufacturing process and a first look at how trees are broken down into solid wood products.
Mill Tours
Students will be introduced to the manufacturing environment through in-person tours to see the manufacturing process firsthand. The tours reinforce what they have learned from the Lumber Manufacturing lecture.
Lumber Grading
Students will receive hands-on experience with an experienced grader to demonstrate and learn a basic overview of lumber grades. This exercise will help students understand grading rules and how they are applied to solid wood products.
Logistics & Transportation
In this lecture, students will learn the basics of moving finished goods from place to place utilizing various forms of transportation.
Ask an Expert
Panelists of NAWLA members from diverse backgrounds are brought together for an open dialogue with the students. This panel session will provide students with an opportunity to engage with industry veterans for insights into their pending questions.
Mass Timber
This lecture will teach students how large composite wood products are utilized to build wood structures using new building methodologies.
Wood Preservation
Students will learn the why and how we make wood last longer and the basic proper usage of pressure treated wood products in this lecture.
Compliance Issues in the Wood Industry
A discussion of regulatory compliance within the wood industry that includes the Lacey Act and CARB and TSCA Title VI regulations related to emissions from engineered wood products.
Universities as a Resource
Universities are diverse organizations. This lecture highlights how universities can help problem solve issues that arise in the forest industry.
Negotiations
This negotiation skills workshop equips participants with essential strategies and tactics to effectively communicate, persuade, and reach mutually beneficial agreements with both internal and external customers. By increasing their influence and mastering techniques to counter win/lose tactics, create balanced agreements, and collaborate on win/win alternatives, learners can enhance their ability to navigate and succeed in their negotiations.