Page 12 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 3 - Summer 2024

Reaching Thousands of Georgians to
Build Awareness of Working Forests
Central to GFF’s mission and vision is to connect youth and adults to the land through innovative, immersive digital education content and in-person expe- riences. Since 2017, GFF has developed strong partnerships with a variety of orga- nizations that have allowed the forestry message to be heard at scale across the state, reaching thousands of Georgians.
GFF’s strong partnership with Geor- gia Public Broadcasting (GPB) has also brought forestry to classrooms across the state through immersive digital content and interactive games. This year, GFF and GPB partnered on a LIVE Forestry Exploration (www.gpb.org/trees) that reached more than 40,000 people, show- casing the forestry supply chain and the vital role it plays in Georgia’s economy and environment. This initiative, along with partnerships with other high-profile organizations, bridges the gap between rural and urban communities, fostering a statewide appreciation for forestry.
Corporate partnerships have also pro- vided GFF with key access to urban audi- ences, driving incremental awareness of
GFF’s Earth Day Celebration at Ponce City Market brings together a variety of natural resources organizations to speak with one voice about the benefits of Georgia’s working forests.
working forests. For many years, GFF has partnered on public engagement efforts with Jamestown at Ponce City Market. From farmers markets to a Tiny Home Festival, Jamestown has provided a venue for GFF to build strong connections to forestry in the city. In 2024, GFF hosted its third annual Earth Day Party with partner natural resource organizations, which reached thousands of people in the context of sustainability.
This year, GFF has expanded these partnership efforts, hosting an activation at the Third Base Gate for the Atlanta Braves Green Game in partnership with the Georgia Forestry Commission, Chatta- hoochee Nature Center and WestRock. As corporations continue to invest in natural capital, GFF will seek to be positioned as
a trusted sustainability partner supporting messaging around forestry investments.
GFF is working this year to also develop a comprehensive Forestry Workforce Strat- egy, capitalizing on existing education partnerships to forge lasting relationships with high school juniors and seniors inter- ested in pursuing a forestry career. GFF will support engagement with these stu- dents through the training and education process, placing them directly in a job with a GFA member company.
MATT HESTAD IS THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION.
OLIVIA PARROTT IS THE OUTREACH AND PROGRAM MANAGER FOR THE GEORGIA FORESTRY FOUNDATION.
PERSPECTIVES FROM OUR MEMBERS & PARTNERS
GFA Board Member and
2013 GFF Chairman Jody Strickland said: “For years, we have lamented about the forestry sector’s inability to reach the everyday citizen with our sustainability story. I am proud that GFA and GFF have changed that dynamic. From the K-12 student to
the state legislator from an urban district, our story is being told!”
2023 GFF Chairman Dr. Johnny Bembry said: “GFF’s work serves as a bridge, connecting Georgians to our tree farms and working forests across the state. Through storytelling, I have been proud of our ability to demonstrate how a healthy forest economy benefits everyone. GFF has established a legacy of work that we can all be proud of.”
2016 GFA Chairman Benjie Tarbutton on
the effectiveness of GFA’s advocacy efforts: “Every piece of legislation we’ve championed has been
a step towards a more economically viable forestry sector that is providing the greatest environmental benefits to society of any product or land use. By nature, the forestry community thinks long-term. But, through our investment in GFA, we’re not just thinking about today; we’re thinking about the next hundred years.”
Former GFA Chairman Marshall Thomas, president of F&W Forestry, said: “Over the last 8-10 years, GFA has provided
the best access for GFA members to participate in the political process since I have been involved. Through a well-funded ForestPAC and the grassroots network through the FORT, our collective voice is as strong as it has ever been. Through the strong network and resources GFA now has, every one of us can make a difference by contributing funds and/or participating in GFA/GFF political events and know that your time and money is a great investment in our future.”
Fritz Mason, president
of lumber at Georgia- Pacific LLC, reflects on the impact of GFF’s mass timber awareness efforts: “GFA and GFF’s efforts have really opened the door for our sector to support mass timber as a solution for environmental sustainability, speed
of construction, waste reduction and overall economic advantages. Mass timber construction is really gaining momentum across North America; because of mass timber promoting wood overall, the use of light frame wood construction is also on the rise in commercial and non- residential building.”
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