Healthy forests and thriving communities go hand in hand. The latest wood innovation video from Forest Proud features the Center’s wood-first approach to renovating the Gehring House and shows how using innovative wood products can strengthen local economies, create sustainable housing solutions, and connect people to the benefits of forests.

The film shows how sustainably harvested wood supports healthy forests, reduces wildfire risks, stores carbon, and strengthens local economies. And it showcases the Center’s Gehring House redevelopment project as an example of how using locally sourced wood, salvaged materials, automated wood pellet boilers, and innovative wood-first products like TimberHP insulation, can provide critical housing while promoting sustainable forest management.

The film also features TimberHP, a Maine-based company producing high-performance wood fiber insulation from sustainably harvested forest products. Supported by the USDA Forest Service’s Wood Innovation Program and Community Wood Grants, TimberHP is creating healthier buildings, boosting the local workforce, and revitalizing the forest products economy.

Maine’s forests are more than timber; they are a source of innovation, community, and economic opportunity.

Together, these stories demonstrate the Wood Innovation Program’s commitment to investing in innovation, supporting communities, and connecting healthy forests to a thriving forest products economy.

Watch the film and share the story of how forests fuel people, products, and planet.