The Learning Modules

Just ahead are six learning modules all focusing on how private forests can contribute to bioenergy and bio-based products. To learn how to convert your forest products to energy, you can complete the modules in order or select the module that best suits what you would like to learn today.

What does bioenergy mean to me?

The energy we use to light our homes, drive our cars, and power our lives is a concern that all U.S. citizens share. In that regard, we are thinking more and more about the raw materials used to make every-day products. In the U.S., much of the energy we depend upon comes from coal and oil. There is another way to supply at least part of our energy and resource needs. It's called woody biomass. Privately-owned forests have the potential to be a source of woody biomass.

Woody biomass will likely not become a primary product that is produced from private forestlands but will become a new and exciting secondary market. In the U.S., there is growing interest in finding ways to use woody biomass to meet today's needs for energy and raw materials. This series of modules is designed to help private landowners and education/outreach professionals understand what woody biomass is all about. You will also become familiar with the technology, systems, and markets that are necessary to make woody biomass a profitable forest product.

Using this Site

This icon highlights units that may be of particular interest to landowners. Look for it on the introduction page of each module to quickly find links to these units.

Images throughout this website are enlargeable by simply clicking on the image. Image descriptions (when needed) and credits are listed below each individual image.