Logging truck at Log a Load for Kids event in Gillett, September 26, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
GILLETT, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A field trip to the woods is giving some students in Gillett a look at the forestry industry, while raising money to help the Children’s Miracle Network.
It’s part of the program called Log-A-Load for Kids.
Just below the morning shadow from the Gillett water tower, more than five hundred students are getting a lesson in lumber.
“It’s all about education. Everybody uses forest products, every day of their life. You can’t not touch a forest product in some way, shape or form. Whether it’s toothpaste, or paper, or wood, or buildings, or furniture. Whatever it is, everyone touches wood,” said Henry Schienebeck, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association Executive Director.
Henry Schienebeck says the 20-acre Gillett School Forest has the supply.
“We do a timber sale. And the kids come out to the timber sale. They get to see trees cut down. They get to learn about management. They get to learn about wildlife. They get to learn about anything to do with trees,” he said.
Organizers say students rotate through 12 stations, soaking in as much at they can in about 15 minutes.
“We learned about the truck with the big crane on it. And we learned about how he cuts the logs,” said Jase Fetterly, Gillett Elementary School Fifth Grade Student.
Jacob Timm teaches agri-science at Gillett Schools, and coordinated Thursday’s event.
“Ultimately the lumber that’s harvested today, will be processed and sold. And then those proceeds brought back to Gillett, or at least part of them, to continue the legacy of the Gillett School Forest, and make sure we have this for years to come,” said Jacob Timm, Gillett Schools Agri-Science Teacher.
Henry Schienebeck agrees.
“You can cut a tree. It grows back. It regenerates. It’s totally renewable. Nothing goes to waste,” he said.
Officials say depending on the type of tree, the boards could be made into two-by-fours, pallets, or turned into pulp at area paper mills.
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