News Archives - North American Forest Foundation

North American Forest Foundation Welcomes New Board Member, Ellery Jones

Collierville, Tennessee, June 1, 2024 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to introduce our newest board member—Ellery Jones, Executive Director of Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association (MLMA)

The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to introduce Ellery Jones, Executive Director of Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association (MLMA).

Founded in 1954, MLMA is a professional trade association devoted to supporting the lumber manufacturers in Mississippi and industry professionals across the United States and Canada.

In her role, Ellery serves as the staff liaison to the MLMA Board of Directors. She oversees the management of the association’s programs, events, services, finances, and assets. Additionally, Ellery plays a key role in supporting the association’s government affairs endeavors and facilitates economic development initiatives within the lumber manufacturing sector.

As the Executive Director, she is dedicated to fostering and expanding relationships with both members and external partners.

Before joining MLMA in 2021, Ellery spent her career as a professional fundraiser in several non-profit organizations. Her experience with event planning, business management and relationship building have provided a great foundation for her successful leadership at MLMA.

Ellery is a valuable addition to the NAFF Board and we’re excited to work with her to impact the next generation through education.

Interested parties can learn more by contacting Allison DeFord at adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org, or by visiting NAFF’s website.

About North American Forest Foundation

The North American Forest Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit on a mission to nurture the next generation through education, changing hearts and minds about sustainable forestry and wood products, for good. Because helping kids become #exTREEmelysmart cultivates a healthier future for them, the industry, and the planet.

River Legacy Nature Center in Arlington, Texas, in 2023. Its next confirmed stop will be the Midland County Centennial Library in Midland, Texas, in 2025.

Omaha Children’s Museum is currently in contract discussions with institutions, including Richmond Children’s Museum in Richmond, Virginia.

The traveling exhibit “Forever Forest” returned to Omaha Children’s Museum for another showing from February 5, 2022 – April 6, 2022. It was the museum’s headlining exhibit during this period and was on display in its special gallery. Over 61,000 visitors engaged with the exhibit, with a surge in attendance over the spring break period.

To create additional interest and excitement, the museum hired local environmental artist and designer Holly Lukasiewicz to create a custom installation. Her “Branch Cloud” installation created a canopy of branches, cuttings, and flowers from indigenous plants over the exhibit.

The museum refurbished the “Forever Forest” exhibit in several stages. Although many major refurbishment projects occurred while on display, guests never missed out on any of the components because the vendors completed their work when the museum was closed.

Through the generous support of the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Omaha Children’s Museum can continue to send “Forever Forest” across the country and reach thousands of families with its messages of conservation, sustainability, and appreciation for nature. After its stop in Omaha, “Forever Forest” was displayed at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, during the summer of 2022 and the River Legacy Nature Center in Arlington, Texas, in 2023. Its next confirmed stop will be the Midland County Centennial Library in Midland, Texas, in 2025. Omaha Children’s Museum is currently in contract discussions with institutions, including Richmond Children’s Museum in Richmond, Virginia.

Below are the partners who were part of the exhibit and exhibit refurbishment

Holly Lukasiewicz, Omaha, NE – Visual artist and creator of the “Branch Cloud” installation that accompanied the “Forever Forest”exhibit when on display at Omaha Children’s Museum
Heartland Scenic Studios, Omaha, NE – Original fabricator of the “Forever Forest” exhibit and lead vendor on the refurbishment project. HSS reengineered exhibit components that needed improvement and repaired damaged ones • AG Painting, Omaha, Nebraska – Painting and refinishing company. Repaired dents, and missing pieces in train care components and repainted with scuff-resistant paint.
Nanonation, Lincoln, Nebraska – Interactive software company. Designed new software with animations for the train engine’s two digital interactives
Capitol Exhibit Services, Inc., Manassas, VA – Exhibit fabricator. Designed and built a new train and transportation table with dimensional buildings and graphics.

Support from the Nebraska Environmental Trust has helped ensure the continued success of the “Forever Forest” exhibit and its mission to inspire families to value forests for their ability to help us live, work, and play sustainably. Between confirmed rentals and interested parties, the museum anticipates “Forever Forest”could serve approximately 125,000 visitors per year for the next five years.

The following quote from Wendy Scardino, director of marketing and communication for the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, in the Telegraph Herald, exemplifies the positive messaging surrounding the exhibit. “We hear a lot about climate change and the bad news,” she said. “But there are wonderful things happening. We like to focus our conservation messaging around those hopeful stories that give people motivation to do something themselves and to see that they can make a difference.”

North American Forest Foundation Receives Grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund

Collierville, Tennessee, November 30, 2023 – Funding to support Truth About Trees App development for Jr. High Aged Students

The North American Forest Foundation has received a $6,000 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to support its Truth About Trees App project.
NAFF Executive Director, Allison DeFord, said the funds would be used to develop a new app geared toward jr. high students to educate them about sustainable forestry, the importance and value of choosing wood products, and expose them to the myriad of career paths and opportunities within the wood, forest, and forest products industries.

“This app will potentially reach and influence 12,000,000 jr. high students and teachers across North America, as a result of the grant and other corporate support. This is a viable way to help close the skills gap and, in some cases, change the trajectory of a young person’s life with a fulfilling career in an industry they can feel proud of,” executive director DeFord said.
In both rural and urban settings, the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports hundreds of important organizations and programs in the communities where they operate with funding, time, expertise and resources. Weyerhaeuser made its first charitable donation in 1903 and has provided more than $260 million in grants through its formal giving program, which was established in 1948.

More information on the Weyerhaeuser grant application process is available online at www.WY.com

If you’re interested to learn more about supporting the App project, please reach out to Allison DeFord.

About North American Forest Foundation
The North American Forest Foundation is a 501c3 non-proﬁt on a mission, since 1989, to nurture the next generation through education—changing hearts and minds, for good, about the value of sustainable forestry and choosing wood products and careers in the forest and forest products industry. Because helping kids become exTREEmelysmart creates a healthier future for them, the industry, and our planet. Our goal is to educate one million students by 2030. We do this through our (free) Truth About Trees teaching kits (geared to K-3 students), Forever Forest traveling exhibit (from the Omaha Children’s Museum), advocacy, and online resources. Learn more at NorthAmericanForestFoundation.org.

About Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world’s largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control approximately 11 million acres of timberlands in the U.S. and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2022, we generated $10.2 billion in net sales and employed approximately 9,200 people who serve customers worldwide. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.

North American Forest Foundation Welcomes New Board Member

Collierville, Tennessee, March 20, 2023 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to introduce new board member, Chelsea Zuccato of Patrick Lumber

Chelsea Zuccato has been in the lumber industry for over 15 years, during which time she graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Business Marketing (2017). She currently serves as a shareholder and sales manager at Patrick Lumber Company in Portland, Oregon and sits on the board of their manufacturing arm, Patrick Lumber Manufacturing in Philomath, Oregon.

Chelsea lives by the core values of Patrick Lumber, which align with her personally and professionally: Pay Attention, Show Up, Be Honest, and Create. Her long-term goal is to become the president of Patrick Lumber Company so she can empower and develop following generations so they may have a rewarding career in lumber.

Committed to giving back to the industry she loves, Chelsea is active with the North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA), having been a member of the education committee from 2016-2022 as well as Chairman from 2019-2021. Her most recent honors include both the NAWLA YELP 40 Under 40 Award (Young Emerging Lumber Professionals), and the Washington State University Notable Alumni Award in 2020.

For fun, Chelsea hosts a Podcast with her friend and business partner Natalie Heacock, called “Lumber Slingers” where their mission is to bring relevant lumber industry information and interviews to their listeners.

Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys spending time with husband Adam, and puppy Wynn. Her hobbies include wine tasting, traveling, cooking, spin class, watching Shark Tank and Dateline, and spending time with friends and family.

About North American Forest Foundation

North American Forest Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

Collierville, Tennessee, August 22, 2022 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to introduce two new board members—Jimmy Thornberry of Powell Valley Millwork and Butch Bernhardt of Western Wood Preservers Institute

North American Forest Foundation Introduces Butch Bernhardt as newest Board Member.

Collierville, Tennessee, September 22, 2021 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to introduce Butch Bernhardt, Senior Program Manager for the Western Wood Preservers Institute (WWPI).

His responsibilities include product education, technical publications, standards, distance learning and digital design tools for preserved wood products.

Bernhardt has extensive experience in wood promotion, providing product support, user education and international market development for nearly four decades in positions with WWPI, Western Wood Products Association, Softwood Export Council and Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and is the third generation in his family to work in the wood products industry.

Western Wood Preservers Institute, headquartered in Vancouver, Wash., represents preservative treated wood product producers, chemical manufacturers and others serving the industry throughout western North America. For 75 years, WWPI has provided regulatory and market outreach services aimed at sustaining a viable western North America preserved wood industry.

The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is also excited to introduce Jimmy Thornberry, President and Co-Owner of Powell Valley Millwork.

Jimmy Thornberry is the President and one of the owners of Powell Valley Millwork, a domestic manufacturer of mouldings and millwork with two manufacturing locations east of Lexington, Kentucky. Jimmy entered the millwork industry in 1993 when he and his father developed their first location in Jeffersonville, Kentucky.

Since then, the Thornberry family has expanded their presence in the market acquiring a second location in 2014 and grown their business to employ approximately two hundred team members supplying a diverse customer base across North America.

Communication is paramount to Jimmy and he finds himself at home when walking the facilities, asking questions, giving advice, and finding ways to make equipment run more efficiently and increase morale amongst the team.

He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in finance and business management. When not in the office, Jimmy is at home with his grandchildren, traveling with his wife, or on the family farm raising beef cattle.

Interested parties can learn more by visiting NAFF’s website.

About North American Forest Foundation

North American Forest Foundation Introduces Deonn Deford as New President

Allison DeFord – North American Forest Foundation – 901-860-4131 – adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org – www.northamericanforestfoundation.org

North American Forest Foundation Introduces Deonn DeFord as New President

Collierville, Tennessee, September 22, 2021 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to introduce Deonn DeFord as its President. DeFord took the reigns from Past President, Stephanie Van Dystadt of DV Hardwoods, at NAFF’s fall meeting. DeFord has been in the lumber and forest products industry since 1989 when he began working at Ganahl Lumber, where he is the Product Manager of Fencing, Clr Doug Fir, Cedar, Redwood, Exterior Trim, Forming Panels, Hardwood Lumber, Panels and Finished Products. He’s also an active member and former President of the Los Angeles Hardwood Lumberman’s Club, as well as the West Coast Lumber and Building Materials Association. He steps up into his position as President from his previous role as Vice President, which he held since 2019. His familiarity with NAFF’s history and current mission has made the transition smooth. “We’ve accomplished so much over the last several years and I’m especially excited about the opportunity to develop an online experience to spread the truth about trees to jr. high and high school students,” DeFord shared. His passion for this industry is contagious and he is looking forward to helping NAFF continue to make a difference by influencing future generations to pursue a career in lumber or forest products. He’s also an active member and former President of the Los Angeles Hardwood Lumberman’s Club, as well as other industry associations. Interested parties can learn more by contacting Allison DeFord at adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org, or by visiting NAFF’s website. About North American Forest Foundation The North American Forest Foundation was originally established in 1989 as the Hardwood Forest Foundation. In 2019, the organization expanded to be more inclusive to the softwood industry – becoming the NAFF. The non-profit has always focused on harvesting the next generation through education – changing hearts and minds about wood, for good.

North American Forest Foundation Welcomes A New Executive Director

Collierville, Tennessee, February 3, 2020 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) welcomes Allison DeFord as new Executive Director.

Allison DeFord – North American Forest Foundation – 901-860-4131 – adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org – www.northamericanforestfoundation.org

North American Forest Foundation Welcomes Allison DeFord as new Executive Director.

Collierville, Tennessee, February 3, 2020 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to welcome a new Executive Director to the team. Although this is her first job in the forest products industry, she’s not new to the culture or mission. Being married to a lumberman for over 31 years will do that. DeFord grew up in Anderson, Indiana. Upon graduating from high school, she travelled west and planted roots in Southern California, where she’s lived since 1986. She has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from California State University at Long Beach. And is also a member of non-profit, Women in Manufacturing.

As the founder of Felt Marketing, since 1994, she’s also no stranger to building materials and wood-related organizations. Felt specializes in marketing retrofits for manufacturers and primarily those in building materials. She can also be heard leading courageous conversations about sales and marketing for manufacturers on her weekly podcast with Ray Ziganto, MFG OutLoud.

“I’ve been in and around this industry for more than 30 years, so to have this opportunity to really roll up my sleeves and contribute in a bigger way feels so right. There is no other culture of people I’ve run into that are more genuine and passionate about wood, sustainability, community, and making a difference for generations. I look forward to building something beautiful together.”

To find out more please reach out to Allison DeFord at adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org, or visit NAFF’s website. About North American Forest Foundation: The North American Forest Foundation was originally established in 1989 as the Hardwood Forest Foundation. In 2019, the organization expanded to be more inclusive to the softwood industry – becoming NAFF. The non-profit has always focused on educating the public, and as the organization grows into NAFF, it continues on that path – to spread the word about sustainability, and the opportunities the hardwood and softwood industries provide throughout North America.

North American Forest Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members

Memphis, Tennessee, August 16, 2019 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is thrilled to introduce three new board members. Jesper Bach, Andy Johnson, and Cindy Squires are joining the team in one of the organization’s most evolutionary years since it was founded in 1989

Allison DeFord – North American Forest Foundation – 901-860-4131 – adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org – www.northamericanforestfoundation.org

North American Forest Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members

Memphis, Tennessee, August 16, 2019 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is thrilled to introduce three new board members. Jesper Bach, Andy Johnson, and Cindy Squires are joining the team in one of the organization’s most evolutionary years since it was founded in 1989. This year, the North American Forest Foundation emerged from what used to be called the Hardwood Forest Foundation. This more inclusive name allows the organization to work on a more comprehensive approach to promoting the entire forest products industry through its educational programs. The new board members will help guide the North American Forest Foundation as it branches in this new direction. Jesper Bach lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he is the Director of Imports at Baillie Lumber. He grew up in Denmark, where he attended Silkeborg Handelsskole Business College and served in the Danish Military before beginning his lumber career in 1993. Bach quickly developed a niche in the international arena, working with species of lumber from around the world, and managing contracts and shipments on a global level. In 1996, Bach made Wilmington his home when he moved to the area to step into the role of Vice President at Inter-Continental Hardwoods. Bach has been at Baillie for 13 years. He is in charge of imports to the U.S. and Canada, and overseas purchases. Andy Johnson is Hardwood Market Report’s Assistant Editor. The Memphis-based company publishes the prolific Hardwood Market Report, which had its first run 97 years ago. Hardwood Market Report also delivers HMR Executive and HMR Import Newsletter to industry professionals throughout the world. Johnson entered the hardwood industry in 1989 and fostered a comprehensive career that allowed for experience in lumber production, processing, purchasing, and sales. Johnson’s broad knowledge of the industry has helped him successfully analyze and report on North American and worldwide markets for over 20 years. Cindy Squires is the Executive Director of the International Wood Products Association, located in Alexandria, Virginia. She also sits on the boards of the American Hardwood Export Council, the Global Timber Forum, and the American Boat and Yacht Council. She is the Co-Chair for the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Advisory Committee for Forest Products, Building Materials, Construction and NonFerrous Metals, and is a member of the U.S. Trade Representative’s Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee. Squires graduated cum laude from Washington College of Law, American University, and worked as Chief Counsel of the National Marine Manufacturers Association for almost ten years, and spent about a decade working on agricultural policy as a legislative liaison and regulatory analyst in the Executive branch, before entering her current position in 2013. Interested parties can learn more by contacting Allison DeFord at adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org, or by visiting NAFF’s website. About North American Forest Foundation The North American Forest Foundation was originally established in 1989 as the Hardwood Forest Foundation. In 2019, the organization expanded to be more inclusive to the softwood industry – becoming the NAFF. The non-profit has always focused on educating the public, and as the organization grows into the NAFF, it continues on that path – to spread the word about sustainability, and the opportunities the hardwood and softwood industries provide throughout the continent.

North American Forest Foundation Introduces Stephanie Van Dystadt as New President

Memphis, Tennessee, August 12, 2019 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to introduce Stephanie Van Dystadt as its President. Van Dystadt took the reigns from Past President, Jeff Durst of Hull Forest Products at NAFF’s summer meeting

Allison DeFord – North American Forest Foundation – 901-860-4131 – adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org – www.northamericanforestfoundation.org

North American Forest Foundation Introduces Stephanie Van Dystadt as New President

Memphis, Tennessee, August 12, 2019 – The North American Forest Foundation (NAFF) is excited to introduce Stephanie Van Dystadt as its President. Van Dystadt took the reigns from Past President, Jeff Durst of Hull Forest Products at NAFF’s summer meeting. Van Dystadt has been in the forest products industry since 1998 when she began working at DV Hardwoods, Inc. where she is a leader in international sales and business development. She steps up into her position as President from her previous role as Vice President, which she held since 2017. Her familiarity with NAFF’s history and current mission has made the transition smooth. “We’ve worked hard over the past two years. We had to take a few steps back so we could move forward, and under Jeff’s leadership, we focused on rebuilding our foundation. We have a new name, went through a full rebrand, and now we’re starting to see why it was worth the effort. For the next two years, I’d like to continue building upon that foundation, keeping true to our mission and values,” Van Dystadt shared. The North American Forest Foundation, formerly the Hardwood Forest Foundation, is well into its first year under its new moniker. The updated name complements the organization’s new and inclusive mission – to promote the entire forest products industry through public engagement and education, rather than focusing exclusively on the hardwood sector. “In many organizations, each time there is a change in leadership, there’s also a pivot when it comes to its mission,” Van Dystadt said. “As NAFF Vice President, I worked with Jeff and the board to help create our mission. We’re not pivoting, we know where we’re going, and we’ll get there faster due to our shared vision.” Interested parties can learn more by contacting Jennifer Reith at adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org, or by visiting NAFF’s website. About North American Forest Foundation The North American Forest Foundation was originally established in 1989 as the Hardwood Forest Foundation. In 2019, the organization expanded to be more inclusive to the softwood industry – becoming the NAFF. The non-profit has always focused on educating the public, and as the organization grows into the NAFF, it continues on that path – to spread the word about sustainability, and the opportunities the hardwood and softwood industries provide throughout the continent.

HFF Branches Out with New Name and Advanced Mission: Introducing North American Forest Foundation

Memphis, Tennessee, February 27, 2019 – Today, the Hardwood Forest Foundation (HFF) is thrilled to begin its next chapter in the organization’s evolution with an updated mission, new name, and modern look. The association’s new name, North American Forest Foundation (NAFF)

Allison DeFord – North American Forest Foundation – 901-860-4131 – adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org – www.northamericanforestfoundation.org

For Immediate Release: HFF Branches Out with New Name and Advanced Mission: Introducing North American Forest Foundation

Memphis, Tennessee, February 27, 2019 – Today, the Hardwood Forest Foundation (HFF) is thrilled to begin its next chapter in the organization’s evolution with an updated mission, new name, and modern look. The association’s new name, North American Forest Foundation (NAFF), highlights the comprehensive goals set out by the NAFF executive team and board members – to spread awareness of the lumber industry, while being inclusive of both hardwood and softwood sectors, so the public can become more conscious to the benefits of wood products and make informed choices.

Since its inception, the focus of HFF has been educating elementary-age children about the benefits of the hardwood industry. The award winning “Truth About Trees” educational kits provided by HFF have helped classrooms throughout the continent by delivering science-based lessons, and it will continue to be part of NAFF’s program. However, NAFF has plans to introduce a more age-inclusive curriculum that includes materials that relay the wealth of career opportunities for young adults in the hardwood and softwood industries.

“As an industry, we need to develop a unified front. We have the product that is the greenest in terms of carbon neutrality and renewable resources, but we don’t promote it as a whole,” noted NAFF Vice-President, Stephanie Van Dystadt. “Our new mission includes educating the public as a whole, to re-introduce them to benefits of the lumber industry, whether they’re a young adult seeking career inspiration, or a consumer looking for smarter choices.”

The NAFF’s updated mission is to support the Forest Products Industry through education, promotion, and advocacy of science-based facts about sustainable forestry, and revealing the truth about trees – our world’s most diverse, abundant, renewable natural resource.

Jeff Durst, NAFF’s President shared, “As an organization, we’ve been focused on education at the elementary level. That certainly remains an important part of what we do, but in realigning ourselves as the NAFF, we’ve expanded our mission to have a greater impact on more areas – allowing us to be better collaborative partners with other organizations that exist.”

In an effort to highlight the career paths available to young people, NAFF’s first goal is to create an educational video that can be distributed to various associations. The aim will be to share the opportunities within the forest industries – whether the viewer sees themselves working in the woods or sitting at a desk (made of wood, of course). Along with the more traditional roles, the video will showcase opportunities in a variety of settings, including accounting, sales, research and development, and others that may not seem obvious to young people seeking meaningful career paths.

Interested parties can learn more by contacting NAFF’s Executive Director, Allison DeFord, at (901)860-4131 or adeford@northamericanforestfoundation.org, or by visiting the organization’s updated website: www.northamericanforestfoundation.org