GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Wayne Community College’s Forest Management Technology program has received a significant boost from Canal Wood, the Southeast’s largest independent timber merchant, through both professional forestry services and an $11,000 donation to enhance student education opportunities.
Strategic Forest Management Creates Learning Laboratory
The partnership addresses a practical need while creating valuable educational resources. WCC’s forestry program operates on county-leased property where former students have planted trees over the years, with rent payments made through active forest management rather than traditional monetary arrangements.
Jim Brodie, WCC’s adjunct forestry instructor, recognized an opportunity to transform routine forest maintenance into a comprehensive learning environment. “I wanted to create a situation out there with diverse conditions that would be important for the students to understand different management scenarios,” Brodie explained.
The instructor approached Canal Wood to request professional forest thinning services according to his educational specifications. The project required selective tree removal to create varied forest conditions that would expose students to multiple management scenarios in a single location.
Alumni Connection Drives Partnership
Canal Wood’s enthusiastic response to the partnership request stems from deep connections to the WCC forestry program. Area Manager Ronnie Brinson and numerous company employees are alumni of the college’s forestry program, creating a natural alignment between the company’s workforce development needs and educational support.
“We recognize that the strength of our industry depends on the next generation of forestry professionals,” Brinson stated. “That’s why we’re proud to support Wayne Community College’s forestry program—an institution that has played a critical role in training many of our own.”
Professional Implementation and Results
Canal Wood contracted Jared Sasnett Logging Company to execute the forest thinning project according to Brodie’s precise educational specifications. Due to lease restrictions preventing commercial use of the property, the harvested timber was donated to Canal Wood rather than sold.
The project results exceeded expectations, creating an enhanced outdoor classroom that serves multiple educational purposes. “They did a great job,” Brodie said. “Now the students have a really good representation of several different conditions there in one spot from which to learn about forest and wildlife management.”
Significant Financial Investment in Education
Following the successful completion of the forestry work, Canal Wood demonstrated additional commitment to forestry education through a substantial monetary donation. The company contributed $11,000 directly to WCC’s forestry program, providing resources for ongoing educational enhancement.
“This donation is not just about giving back; it’s about investing in a workforce that’s skilled, passionate, and prepared for the future,” Brinson emphasized, highlighting the company’s long-term perspective on industry workforce development.
Program Opportunities and Pathways
WCC’s Forest Management Technology program offers students comprehensive educational opportunities through multiple pathways. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree through the program, providing immediate workforce entry credentials.
For students seeking advanced education, the program also facilitates transfer opportunities to North Carolina State University, where graduates can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management degree, expanding career possibilities in the forestry sector.
Industry Impact and Future Implications
The Canal Wood partnership represents a model for industry-education collaboration that addresses workforce development while enhancing practical learning opportunities. By providing both professional services and financial support, the company demonstrates comprehensive commitment to forestry education excellence.
The enhanced learning environment created through this partnership will benefit current and future forestry students by providing hands-on experience with diverse forest management scenarios in a controlled educational setting.
About Canal Wood
Canal Wood brings extensive industry experience to the partnership. Established in 1937 and headquartered in Conway, South Carolina, the company has grown to become the Southeast’s largest independent timber merchant.
The company operates across seven southeastern states through a network of over three dozen field offices, employing more than 100 timber buyers who serve the region’s forestry industry. This extensive operational footprint provides Canal Wood with comprehensive understanding of regional forestry workforce needs and educational requirements.
