Sawmills in Schools

The Sawmills in Schools program in Idaho is an educational initiative that provides hands-on experience with small-scale sawmill operations to students. The program is designed to introduce students to forestry, wood processing, and sustainable forest management. By engaging with the sawmilling process, students gain practical insights into the timber industry, from forest stewardship to wood product manufacturing.

Leaders in the forest products industry partner with schools to give kids hands-on experience.

Key features of the program include:

  • Portable Sawmills: Schools receive portable sawmills, enabling students to process logs into lumber. This hands-on experience teaches valuable skills in wood processing and the mechanics of operating a sawmill.
  • Forestry Education: The program often integrates lessons on forest ecosystems, sustainable logging practices, and the economic importance of timber in Idaho’s economy. It emphasizes responsible forest management, which is crucial for maintaining healthy forests.
  • Career Pathways: By exposing students to various aspects of the forest products industry, the program highlights career opportunities in forestry, logging, and wood manufacturing.
  • Partnerships with Industry: Sawmills in Schools is often supported by partnerships between schools, industry leaders (such as Idaho Forest Group), and government agencies. These collaborations provide resources, expertise, and real-world learning experiences for students.
  • Participating programs: Idaho schools who are either already benefitting or in the process of scaling up the program in their schools include: Council, Priest River, Kamiah, Potlach, Grangeville, Orofino, St. Maries, and Sandpoint.

”The program is aimed at promoting interest in forestry-related careers and ensuring that students understand the role of forests in Idaho’s economy and environment. It also helps build a skilled workforce for the state’s robust timber industry.