In 2024, the Grant County Cooperative Extension Office partnered with a local farm family, Miles Christmas Tree Farm, to host a wreath-making workshop aimed at promoting sustainable forestry use. With over 26,000 acres of forest in Grant County, the program taught 35 participants how to responsibly harvest natural materials like cedar, pine, and grapevine to create decorative wreaths.

Participants learned tree identification, sustainable pruning, and marketing basics for selling wreaths locally. The workshop emphasized turning forest byproducts—often discarded branches and invasive vines—into value-added products.

Following the program participants were interviewed to determine the impact of the trainings. 2 participants began making and selling wreaths at local markets, with one family earning $600 during the holiday season.  100% of the participants indicated that they had a better understanding of sustainable harvesting practices.  32% showed an increase in knowledge in forest stewardship and developing in woodland management plans.

The event spurred ongoing community programs focused on non-timber forest products and inspired a broader effort to link forest conservation with rural economic development. What began as a craft class has become a catalyst for sustainable forestry awareness and entrepreneurship in Grant County.