Hardwood Forest Foundation Spokesperson Tommy MacDonald presents "Truth About Trees" program to elementary school children during Surfaces.

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) is partnering with the Hardwood Forest Foundation to present the Foundation’s "Truth About Trees" program during the NWFA’s 2014 Wood Flooring Expo, to be held April 16-19 in Nashville, Tenn.

During the program, approximately 25 elementary school children will be brought in to learn about the benefits of harvesting trees to provide many of the materials used in our everyday lives like paper and wood for the construction of houses, schools and offices. The children also will be introduced to other items that they might not realize come from trees as well, such as pencils, crayons, chewing gum, glue sticks, adhesive tape, aspirin and even cookies.

“This program can provide a thought-changing experience for school children and educators,” says Sally Johnson, Foundation president. “Many children, and even teachers, have the perception that cutting down trees is bad, and this program demonstrates for them how proper harvesting is actually good for the environment.”  

"I saw the program presented for the first time during National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Annual Convention last year in Fort Worth, Texas, and you could see the light bulbs going off throughout the room," says Michael Martin, NWFA president and CEO. "Through the generosity of the Hardwood Forest Foundation, we will be able to make this education available at our Wood Flooring Expo next month.”

"What's really valuable about getting this message out during Expo is not only the involvement of the local community, but the show attendees will also learn from the experience with a performance by the children on the show floor," continues Martin.  “Attendees will also be able to learn how they can bring this program to their own schools, scout groups and communities as well.”

The program at NWFA’s Wood Flooring Expo will occur on Thursday, April 17 at 12:30 p.m. For more information about the Wood Flooring Expo, visit www.nwfa.org.