In well organized, machine-like precision, 160 contractors rapidly processed newly lifted seedlings for shipping at Weyerhaeuser’s Aurora Forest Nursery. With only 11 permanent staff members, and a large crew of seasonal labor, the nursery produces 28 million seedlings for reforestation and Christmas tree stock.
About half of the seedlings are used on Weyerhaeuser’s lands and the rest are available to the public, in quantities of one to one million. Many are grown under contract, with provided seed, or using Weyerhaeuser’s improved seed. Thirty-five different species are grown on the 190 acre site, which was one of Oregon’s original homesteads in the 1850s.
Generally, lifting seedlings begins in December, but with Oregon’s unusually cold winter, nursery activities were delayed six weeks. Manager Mark Triebwasser was confident that all orders would be filled, although it means long hours and few days off for staff. The intense schedule doesn’t deter Mark from enjoying his job: he has worked for Weyerhaeuser nearly thirty years and was still smiling as he explained the production process to Fellows.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment