From our woodlands to our everyday lives- a week to celebrate Wisconsin’s Forest Products
The forests of Wisconsin are more than just iconic landscapes; they are also a vital resource that provide us with an array of goods and materials that we all use every day all around the world. The forest ecosystem of Wisconsin covers 47% of the state’s total land area, serving as beautiful destinations and as a cornerstone to our state’s economy. Products from woodlands provide countless materials and as a powerful solution for a more sustainable future.
As we celebrate National Forest Products week, October 19-25, 2025, we are reminded of the incredible value of Wisconsin’s forests. From products to the laborers- we are also celebrating the people of this industry! The people who help manage our woodlands for these products and work in the industry every day to bring these materials into our homes, schools, and workplace. Forest products can include paper, lumber, maple syrup, renewable energy materials, building materials, and more!
The Wisconsin forest products industry showcases sustainability and innovation as it contributes $37.8 billion to the economy and supports 123,000 jobs, according to the WI DNR. The industry’s two main sectors are the solid wood sector, which produces lumber, and the pulp industry, which manufactures paper and engineered wood products. Many of the sawmills in Wisconsin are committed to ensuring our forests are managed sustainably and remain a renewable resource for generations to come.
This year for National Forest Products Week there many ways to celebrate with opportunities to learn and engage. Businesses and organizations throughout the state are hosting a week of special events planned to highlight the people, places, and significance of Wisconsin’s forest products.
The week will be filled with events, tours, conversations, and special examples of the many ways our lives are enriched by the forest products industry. Make sure to check out their website to learn more about ways to celebrate each day and make your way to a tour- as they happen throughout the state in a location near you! A breakdown of the week includes:
| Date | Daily & Special Events |
| Thursday October 16- October 26 | – Wisconsin Science Festival- 10 days of events across 52 WI Counties |
| Saturday, October 18 | – Sawmill Open House and Pancake Breakfast, Antigo, WI 9AM-noon |
| Monday, October 20 | – More Than Just Trees, conversation & viewing from 1:30-3:30PM |
| Tuesday, October 21 | – Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum Tour, MKE, WI 10-11:30AM – Stewarding the Land- Tours of forests across the state in: Washburn, Lake Tomahawk, Wausau, Waupaca, & Dekorra, WI. |
| Wednesday, October 22 | – Forest Products Lab Tour, Madison, WI tours at 9AM, 11AM, and 2PM – Forest Bathing, Stevens Point recreational opportunity 10-11:30AM or 3-4:30PM – From Tree to Essential Paper Products, Tours of WI Paper Mills: Wausau, Mosinee, Kaukauna, Nekoosa, & Rothschild |
| Thursday, October 23 | – Built From the Forest, tours of construction projects and sites in: Ashland, Hayward, Neopit, Marathon, Weston, Bangor, & Oregon |
| Friday, October 24 | – What’s Next?, K-12 School groups are invited to explore the future of forestry |
These events offer a chance for everyone to appreciate the valuable resources our forests provide and the essential role that the forest products industry plays in our state’s economy, culture, and future. Whether you are a private woodland owner, a recreationalist, or just curious, Forest Products Week is a time to celebrate and recognize the profound contributions of the forest to our daily lives!
Are you curious about the forest product opportunities of your land? 57% of Wisconsin woodlands are privately owned by individuals and families, and these private woodlands are important producers for our forest products economy. Which makes managing your woodland YOUR opportunity to make informed decisions and positively impact Wisconsin. UW–Madison Extension Forestry encourages landowners to reach out to our team or forestry professionals for guidance and support. There might be a whole host of opportunities waiting for you: maple syrup production, lumber, agroforestry, and more!
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