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Day 5: Friday What’s Next?

Fri., Oct. 24, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.-Noon

What’s Next?

The Future of Forest Products

The forest products industry is entering a new era where innovation, sustainability, and technology redefine what’s possible with wood. As Forest Products Week concludes, we are reminded that the forest’s value is just beginning to grow. Wisconsin is leading the forest products industry into this high-tech, sustainable, and essential future. Register by Friday, October 17, 2025.

K-12 school groups are invited to join us to explore and celebrate:

  • The next generation of workforce, research, and forest policy.
  • How forest products are evolving beyond traditional lumber and paper.
  • The role of innovation in sustainability, climate resilience, and global competitiveness. 
  • Voices from researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and industry leaders. 
View UWSP Program Schedule Registration Closed: Tour at Maximum Capacity

UWSP Tour Stations

As Wisconsin meets the evolving needs in the forest products industry, UWSP is preparing future professionals and navigating market needs to lead a forest-based economy that’s cleaner, smarter, and globally competitive. From mass timber and nanocellulose to bio-based packaging and renewable chemicals, hear from researchers and educators about how Wisconsin is preparing to lead. Join us for an interactive and hands-on exploration of UWSP’s forest-based programs. Register by Friday, October 17, 2025.
Forest Product Innovation

Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology

Sustainable by Design

The Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) is a research-based division of the College of Natural Resources; we collaborate with business partners both local and national. Offering laboratory testing, WIST provides certification that certifies that products are repulpable, recyclable, and compostable—sustainable for future generations. In addition, we specialize in novel paper formulations, coating trials, and regenerative agriculture. Join us for a closer look at how compostability testing works!

Learn more about WIST
Promoting Vibrant, Sustainable Forests and Forest-Based Economies

Wisconsin Forestry Center

Serving Wisconsin’s Forestry Community

Experience the coordination and skill necessary for operating a Ponsse forest harvesting system! The Wisconsin Forestry Center will have two Ponsse harvester simulators ready for students to experience what its like to sit in the cab of one of these machines and harvest trees. Disclaimer: no trees are harmed in the operation of this simulator.

Learn More about WFC
Wisconsin’s K-12 Forestry Education Program

LEAF

Enriching Students. Sustaining Forests.

Join the LEAF team for an engaging exploration of the diverse career pathways within the field of forestry. Discover how various roles contribute to the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and support the production of high-quality goods that are part of our everyday lives.

Learn More about LEAF
Professor Ben Sedinger teaches students telemetry skills during an outdoor lab.
Hands-on Education

Forestry at UWSP

Discovering Careers in the Great Outdoors

Forestry offers a vibrant landscape of career opportunities: from habitat management to timber sales, and from urban forestry to ecosystem restoration, UWSP’s Forestry program offers students hands-on activities in state-of-the-art facilities. Come learn about our interdisciplinary program, which is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

Learn More about Forestry at UWSP
Paper Science and Engineering student working on the paper machine at UW-Stevens Point.
Experience beyond textbooks

Paper Science & Chemical Engineering

Tackling real-world challenges in manufacturing and engineering

Discover how abundant and sustainably managed wood is transformed into high-value paper products through innovative engineering. Explore how engineers design and optimize complex processes that make the pulp and paper industry a leader in Wisconsin manufacturing. Learn why paper is a sustainable alternative to plastic in addressing global environmental challenges. See how students from this nationally recognized program launch successful and impactful careers.

Learn More about Paper Science at UWSP