Select Harvest:
A Commitment to Responsible Sourcing
At Urban Evolutions, our deep Midwest roots inspire our unwavering commitment to responsible wood sourcing. Nestled in a region renowned for its diverse forests, we’ve made it our mission to showcase the beauty of Midwest hardwoods while preserving our forest health.
Our Commitment to Responsible Sourcing
The UE Live Sawn Collection exclusively features Midwest hardwoods, with a special focus on salvaging Wisconsin city trees. This approach not only preserves the beauty of these trees beyond their natural lifespan but also maintains their carbon-storage benefits.
To complement our salvaged wood supply, we’ve cultivated relationships with Midwest lumber suppliers who share our vision of responsible forestry.
<< Pictured here: UE LIVE SAWN urban ash installed at LinkedIn corporate office in Omaha, NE
Key Principles of Our “Select Harvest” Approach:
- Local and regional sourcing: We prioritize suppliers close to our manufacturing process.
- Personal engagement: We meet directly with our partners to discuss harvesting practices.
- Forest health focus: Our suppliers prioritize regeneration and ecosystem balance.
- Targeted harvesting: We focus on at-risk, mature, or infested trees.
- Ecosystem preservation: We avoid clear-cutting to protect habitats and prevent invasive species.
Our Select Harvest approach reflects our dedication to promoting forest health and long-term ecological balance.
While we offer FSC certified wood, we also partner with smaller lumber producers who, despite lacking resources for certification, are prime examples of responsible forestry.
>> Pictured here: UE LIVE SAWN urban ash slabs harvested from fallen city trees in Wisconsin
In Action: Two Inspiring Select Harvest Examples
Oak Savanna Restoration
Once covering 50 million acres, Oak Savannas have dwindled to just 30,000 acres today. We partner with local producers who work with Wisconsin landowners to restore these vital ecosystems. Through responsible thinning practices like “daylighting the oaks,” our partners encourage native plant growth and preserve habitats for threatened species.
By supporting these efforts, we’re proud to contribute to habitat restoration while giving removed oaks a second life in beautiful interiors.
Learn more about savanna restoration at midwestprairies.com.
The Menominee Forest: A Beacon of Sustainable Forestry
Since 1865, Menominee Tribal Enterprises has been committed to the practices and principles of integrated sustainable forest management. Through sustained yield management and generations of silvicultural research, they maintain one of the most sustainable forest ecosystems in the world.
To learn more about the Menominee view of sustained forest management, visit mtewood.com.
Our Commitment to Midwest Forests and Communities
By investing in local suppliers, we not only promote responsible forestry but also foster social equity and mutual trust in our manufacturing region.
“Our partnerships focus on producers who share our values and demonstrate a commitment to long-term forest health,” says Robin Janson, Urban Evolutions President and Creative Director.
Bringing Responsible Beauty to Your Space
Explore our UE Live Sawn collection and experience firsthand how sustainable practices can enhance design. By choosing our responsibly sourced wood, you’re not just acquiring a beautiful product – you’re supporting forest health, preserving biodiversity, and contributing to a healthier environment for future generations.
Join us in our mission to celebrate the beauty of Midwest forests while ensuring their longevity. Together, we can prove that responsible sourcing and stunning design go hand in hand, creating spaces that are as sustainable as they are beautiful.
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