Texas Operations

About the Program
Eastman’s Texas Operations is located in Longview, Texas. The company maintains a 113-acre forested region including a 40-acre demonstration forest dating back to 1999, which was initially used to illustrate effective forest management techniques. The site now includes a nature center and is used for educational purposes for local K-12 students. Eastman continues to maintain the forest and nature center with the goal to allow students the opportunity to engage in outdoor educational activities.

Practices and Impacts

• Team members host Forest Awareness Tours for K-12 students throughout the year with goal to increase appreciation of the local forest habitat and to develop a sense of environmental stewardship. Lessons are tailored to different grade levels and align with Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills state standards, including lessons from Project Learning Tree.
• Project Learning Tree resources are used to provide workshops at the nature center for educators, in collaboration with the local forestry department. Educators learn how to create their own lessons for K-8 and university-level students on a variety of subjects related to forest literacy. Feedback is collected from each participant to assess the impact of learning and logistics after the event to ensure it is meeting its objectives. 
• The team planned and created a pollinator garden planted with native flowering plants selected for their benefits to pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. The team is responsible for maintaining the garden and monitoring its pollinator visitors, and the garden provides an attractive area for educating employees and visitors on the importance of pollinators and their needs. 
• Adding another educational project to the program, the team aims to introduce new employees to the nature center and forest habitat via informal presentations and guided nature walks. Participants have the opportunity to learn about and identify local wildlife and plants, including a bird-watching activity. Feedback to date has been positive, and the project is planned to develop in scope over the coming years.