MEMPHIS, TN –  The Hardwood Forest Foundation recently conducted its Truth About Trees program at the International Surfaces Event at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Truth About Trees taught 50 schoolchildren from Thomas J. O’Roarke Elementary School in Las Vegas about the benefits of properly harvesting trees.

Truth About Trees was the product of a partnership between the Hardwood Forest Foundation and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). The Hardwood Forest Foundation works to change the image of the forest products industry through education and partnerships have expanded its scale.

“To be asked to present Truth About Trees at a show as large as Surfaces is truly an opportunity that the Foundation was excited about,” said Emmy Nominated Foundation Spokesperson Tommy MacDonald. “There is no better way to show folks the importance of the Foundation’s work than to bring in children and allow adults to witness their wheels turn.”

Schoolchildren were bussed to the convention center where they learned the benefits of properly harvesting trees as a means to obtain necessary items used in everyday lives. In addition, they were treated with lunch and had the opportunity to speak with hardwood lumber industry professionals.

“Upon attending a similar event at the recent NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase in Ft. Worth, TX, I knew NWFA needed to host the Foundation and its educational program, Truth About Trees at Surfaces,” said Michael Martin, President and CEO of NWFA. “It’s amazing what this program can teach young people in a short period of time through keeping them engaged with scientific resources and everyday common sense learning.”