Collage of imagery related to forestry work and environmental conservation with a central logo that says 'NextGen Forestry: A VFPA Workforce Initiative.' The collage includes photos of people planting trees, operating heavy machinery, in safety gear, and working outdoors in forest environments.

NextGen Forestry: Pathways to Forestry Careers

NextGen Forestry 2026, formerly known as the Virginia Forest Trails Initiative, is a guided workforce program for high school juniors and seniors who want to explore real career pathways in forestry, natural resources, and the forest products industry. Hosted during EXPO Richmond, this hands-on experience connects students directly with educators, employers and industry professionals. NOTE: There are two options for experiencing NextGen Forestry at EXPO Richmond:

VoTech/High School Class Day | Friday, April 17, 2026

High school teachers and vocational instructors, you’re invited to register to bring your classes to NextGen Forestry for VoTech/High School Class Day on April 17th. Students will discover the world of forestry and learn about the diverse career paths and opportunities, all while exploring the East Coast’s Sawmill, Logging & Pallet Equipment Exposition, EXPO Richmond.

For questions and to register your class, reach out to us at NextGenForestry@vfpa.net.

To learn more, download and share this VoTech Day flyer.

Individual Student Day | Saturday, April 18, 2026

This Saturday, April 18th NextGen Forestry event is for individual students who are not coming to the fieldtrip experience that is happening on Friday, April 17th. Students attending the Saturday session will also enjoy added components and a ticket to EXPO Richmond. A student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Deadline to register is April 1, 2026. For questions, email us at NextGenForestry@vfpa.net.

  • 9:30-10 a.m. - Registration

  • 10-11:30 a.m. - Education, Industry and Student Panels. You will hear from leaders at Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Mountain Gateway about their forestry programs. And then a wide array of industry leaders covering all aspects of the industry including loggers, sawmill owners, equipment manufacturers, forestry consultants, Department of Forestry representatives and a paper company. This concludes with a student panel made up of current NextGen Forestry students (one is a success story from 2024!) and alumni of the forestry programs.

  • 11:30 a.m. - Lunch and networking, followed by guided tour of EXPO

Start Your Next Adventure!

Register for *Saturday* NextGen
An orange hand with fingers extended, touching a circular button with radiating lines, indicating pressing or activation.
Seal of the Virginia Forest Products Association featuring a green outline of Virginia, a tree silhouette, and text 'Virginia Forest Products Association' and 'VFPA'.
Virginia Tech logo with purple 'VT' symbol and orange 'Virginia Tech' text.
Logo of Mountain Gateway Community College, featuring a stylized mountain and sun with the text 'est. 1962' and the college's name.

What Students Will Gain

  • Direct exposure to careers in forestry, logging, equipment operations, sawmills, manufacturing, safety, and conservation

  • Insight into both two-year and four-year education pathways

  • Opportunities to meet employers actively hiring the next generation of workers

  • A guided tour of EXPO Richmond to interact with exhibitors and industry professionals

  • Networking with current students, recent graduates, and industry leaders

  • Lunch provided after the program

  • Student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. EXPO Richmond tickets are covered as a gift to both the student and parent/guardian.