Gray Logging
Contributor
On Friday, Nov. 6, a group of homeschool students visited the job site of Gray Logging, LLC. It was certainly a fun filled learning experience for all! The students gathered at the logging shop where hard hats were distributed, and booklets describing the logging process were given out along with wooden pencils. The theme for the day was "Wood is Good" and the objective was that each participant would see trees responsibly being harvested.
Everyone was very excited to see all the big machinery in action. It was hard to pick out a favorite, but according to the cheers and shouts when a large pine tree was cut down, it had to be the fellerbuncher, or "cutter" as it is known in the woods. However, the "loader" was certainly a group favorite, too, as it spun around and quickly loaded a log truck.
The students found out what it takes to get a load of wood to the mill. Even more importantly, they discovered that a variety of products and common items are made from wood or wood by-products and quickly realized that the timber industry is "essential." They learned and observed that loggers really do value the forests and work hard to preserve them and their way of life while providing needed items for many Americans. Each participant was given a pine seedling to take home and plant in hopes of promoting good stewardship and an investment in the future.
The students brought a "sack" lunch to the woods and enjoyed eating picnic style. As the children ate, a few repairs were being made to the equipment and a few trucks left the job site. Then, it was back to the learning adventure.
Forester Todd explained how to bore a tree and each child got a turn at boring. Many children left with a "Core Sample." This sample helps foresters age the tree. Aging is critical in determining whether to log a forest or not.
Special thanks to Jerry and Ginger Gray of Gray Logging, LLC for making this learning event possible. Gray Logging, LLC is Florida's 2020 Logger of the Year.
Also, special thanks to Genesis Timber, LLC Forester Todd Whitt for his expertise in tree knowledge and to Genesis Timber, LLC Director of Operations Joshua Light for his experience and understanding of woods operation/safety. A very big shout out to Superior Trees of Lee, Fla. for providing the pine seedlings that each person received, and remember, Wood is Good!
Contact Gray Logging anytime at:
665 SW Harvey Greene Dr.
Madison, Fla. 32340
(850) 973-3863