For over 120 years, Gutchess Lumber has been a proud steward of America’s forests. As a leading hardwood manufacturer, we’ve witnessed firsthand the beauty and undeniable importance of trees. We know that forests are carbon heroes, silently fighting climate change.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood, a process known as carbon sequestration. By using responsibly sourced solid hardwood products, we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet.
“The Hardwood Heroes,” is our way of sharing this knowledge with the next generation. It’s a story about four special trees who dream of making a positive impact on the world and have a good time while doing so. By learning about the role of trees in carbon sequestration and the benefits of sustainable forestry, you can help ensure our Hardwood Heroes continue their important work for generations to come.
Scroll to learn more about the Hardwood Heroes and their amazing species! Find discussion questions for various age groups to explore the story further and learn new vocabulary!
Red Oak trees are very common in the forests of the United States. They have beautiful wood with interesting patterns. Even though they’re called ‘red’ oak, their wood doesn’t always look red! They got their name because their leaves turn red in the fall.
Latin Name: Quercus species, mainly Quercus rubra
Other Names: Northern Red Oak
Common Uses: Furniture, flooring, doors, architectural joinery, mouldings, kitchen cabinets, and wooden booths.
Bass is a Basswood tree. Basswood trees have wood that’s light and easy to work with. It’s a hardwood species often used to make things that need to be carved and shaped, like sculptures and musical instruments.
Latin Name: Tilia americana
Other Names: Linden
Common Uses: carving, turning, mouldings, furniture, and musical instruments.
Hard Maple trees grow in forests all across North America. Hard Maple wood is special because it’s very hard and has a beautiful, smooth grain. It’s often used to make things that need to be strong and look beautiful, like basketball court flooring!
Latin Name: Acer saccharum, Acer nigrum
Other Names: Sugar Maple, Rock Maple, Black Maple
Common Uses: flooring, furniture, cabinet making, joinery, table and work tops, mouldings, and kitchen cabinets.
Ash trees are known for their strong and flexible wood. This makes them perfect for creating things that need to bend and withstand impact, like baseball bats and tables.
Latin Name: Fraxinus species, including Fraxinus americana
Other Names: Northern Ash
Common Uses: furniture, flooring, doors, architectural joinery and mouldings, kitchen cabinets, tool, sporting equipment, and tables.
What are the names of the trees in the book? Test character identification.
What color was Oakley’s super hero cape? Encourage recall.
What did Maple dream of becoming? Focus on character dreams and aspirations.
What sound do you think the trees made when the wind blew? Encourage imaginative sound effects and sensory exploration.
Can you draw a picture of your favorite tree from the story? Encourage creativity and artistic expression.
What do trees need to grow big and strong? Introduce basic needs like sunlight and water in a simple way.
What does it mean to be a friend? Connect the story to social-emotional learning.
What do you like to do on a sunny day? Connect the story to children’s own experiences.
Let’s pretend we are trees! Can you rustle your hands like leaves blowing in the wind? Encourage auditory and imaginative play.
What color do you think Oakley’s leaves turned in the fall? Spark discussion about seasonal changes.
Click on the cards to reveal the definition.
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890 McLean Road
Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: 607-753-1081
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