"Start with the rising sun, and work toward the setting sun, but take only the mature trees, the sick trees, and the trees that have fallen. When you reach the end of the reservation, turn and cut from the setting sun to the rising sun and the trees will last forever." — Chief Oshkosh

Every forest has a story; some stories are written in tree rings, others are written by the people who care for them. 

For generations, the Menominee Nation has practiced a philosophy of stewardship that looks beyond today's harvest and toward the health of the forest decades from now. Their approach has shaped one of the most remarkable examples of sustainable forest management in the world and continues to demonstrate what it means to care for a forest with future generations in mind. 

At #forestproud, we believe these are the stories that deserve to be told. That's why we're proud to share Forests of the First Stewards: Menominee Nation, created in partnership with Menominee Tribal Enterprises and Into the Outdoors. Through film and classroom resources, this project celebrates the people, knowledge, and forestry practices that have sustained the Menominee Forest while inspiring the next generation of forest stewards. 

A Living Example of Stewardship 

The Menominee Forest spans more than 200,000 acres in northeastern Wisconsin and is home to more than 30 species of trees, including eastern white pine, eastern hemlock, sugar maple, oak, aspen, and hickory. Some of its white pines are more than 200 years old. It's also home to black bears, river otters, cormorants, trout, and countless other species that depend on healthy forests. 

Long before sustainable forestry became a widely used term, the Menominee Nation was demonstrating the principles behind it. Their relationship with these forests spans generations, and for more than 150 years, they have managed the Menominee Forest through a documented approach in long-term stewardship and responsibility to future generations. 

That long-term mindset guides every management decision in the Menominee Forest, including when and how trees are harvested.  When a tree is harvested, it creates opportunities for sunlight to reach the forest floor, allowing young seedlings to grow and the next generation of trees to take root. These carefully planned harvests help maintain a diverse forest, support wildlife habitat, and ensure the Menominee Forest remains healthy and productive for generations to come. 

Today, Menominee Tribal Enterprises combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern forestry science, technology, and sustainable forest management to care for the forest while producing approximately 14 million board feet of sawtimber each year. It's a powerful reminder that responsible forest management supports healthy forests, thriving communities, and renewable forest products. 

Forestry Is About People 

When most people think about forestry, they picture trees. But forestry has always been about people, too.

Forests of the First Stewards follows the people whose lives are connected to the Menominee Forest every day. Viewers meet forestry professionals, prescribed fire crews, educators, students, artisans, and community members whose work demonstrates that forests support far more than wood products. They support culture, education, careers, wildlife, clean water, local economies, and ways of life that have been passed from one generation to the next. 

Together, these stories remind us that sustainable forestry isn't defined by a single practice. It's built through relationships, knowledge, and a long-term commitment to caring for the land.

Learning From the First Stewards 

This project includes a feature film, four companion lesson videos, and curriculum bundles designed for grades K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12, and higher education. 

Whether you're a student exploring forestry for the first time, an educator looking for classroom resources, or a forestry professional seeking a new perspective, we hope this project offers something valuable.

The future of forestry depends on the next generation understanding not only how forests are managed, but why stewardship matters. The Menominee Nation's story offers an opportunity to learn from a community whose commitment to caring for forests continues to inspire foresters across the country. 

Thank You 

This project would not have been possible without the partnership and trust of Menominee Tribal Enterprises and the Menominee Nation. We are grateful for the opportunity to help share this story. 

Thank you to Into the Outdoors and Discover Mediaworks for their creativity and collaboration in bringing this vision to life. 

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors: the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Intertribal Timber Council, the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, for their generous support in making this project possible. 

At #forestproud, we believe forests can't speak for themselves. But we can. 

We hope Forests of the First Stewards: Menominee Nation encourages more people to discover the many ways forests shape our lives, and the many people whose stewardship ensures they'll continue to do so for generations to come.