“Pennsylvania Hardwoods have long been recognized around the globe for their premiere quality. Nearly 80% of Pennsylvania’s black cherry log and lumber production comes from the Allegheny Hardwood Region, earning it the reputation “Black Cherry Capital of the World”.  This does not happen by accident, but because we manage our forest resources for optimal production, sustainability for future generations, and unequalled environmental consciousness.” – Amy Shields, AHUG Executive Director. Photo courtesy of USDA/USFS Northern Research Station

AHUG is a principal source for regional hardwood education, utilizing SFI’s “Project Learning Tree”, industry partners, and the Pennsylvania Woodmobile (pictured above) to share working forest health, forest benefits, hardwood career, and positive industry messaging with thousands of students and adults each year. (*Fun Fact* Jesse Wise, AMJV Communications Specialist, worked as the PA Woodmobile Coordinator/driver in the summer of 2008!) Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council

AHUG is a principal source for regional hardwood education, utilizing Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s “Project Learning Tree”, industry partners, and the Pennsylvania Woodmobile to share working forest health, forest benefits, hardwood career, and positive industry messaging with thousands of students and adults each year. We coordinate industry training and education forums on topics ranging from 1st Aid/CPR and invasive species management to NHLA lumber grading and global marketing.

Children in Potter County learn about forestry through participation in a “Project Learning Tree” activity. Photo courtesy of AHUG

Promoting continuous improvement of the industry and its influencing factors through representation and outreach is key to advancing AHUG’s mission.  We partner with the USFS in leading the Allegheny Forest Health Collaborative, a 60-member consortium of public and private landowners, forest industry professionals, and policy makers working in landscape style to address critical forest health issues across the Allegheny Plateau.  AHUG facilitates industry participation as a major stakeholder in public lands natural resource planning, working forest messaging and implementation.  We host field tours and roundtable discussions to provide opportunities for industry to educate and engage with legislators, agency officials and academia, providing informed input on the programs, policies and regulatory processes that impact their livelihoods.

AHUG partners with the USFS in leading the Allegheny Forest Health Collaborative (AFHC), a 60-member consortium of public and private landowners, forest industry professionals, and policy makers working in landscape style to address critical forest health issues across the Allegheny Plateau. The picture above was taken during the Spring 2022 AFHC Legislative Forest Tour. Photo courtesy of AHUG

Promotion of Pennsylvania’s hardwood industry and the high-quality hardwood products they manufacture is a fundamental component of the AHUG mission. The organization participates in regional, national, and international trade shows, providing hardwood sourcing and education resources to the architect and design community.  AHUG is proud to be a founding association and current board member of the Real American Hardwood Coalition, working to inspire a stylish and healthy environment by educating consumers on the many benefits of choosing Real American Hardwood products.

AHUG is proud to be a founding association and current board member of the Real American Hardwood Coalition, working to inspire a stylish and healthy environment by educating consumers on the many benefits of choosing Real American Hardwood products. Photo courtesy of Real American Hardwood Coalition