Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the April issue of the Keystone Wood Products Association’s newsletter, The Grain, and is reprinted with permission. 

Danville resident Van Wagner has achieved something unprecedented.

The agricultural science teacher, arborist, forester and folk artist recently completed a mission to climb the highest tree on the highest mountain in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties to bring awareness to the state’s working forests — forestlands that are sustainably managed to provide a renewable supply of materials for wood products.

What started out as a personal challenge in January 2023 transformed into a mission that elevated forest education throughout the state. His journey began in Montour County when he climbed the tallest tree at the highest point on Montour Ridge — a mountain where he was born and raised and currently resides with his wife, Tamara. Following the climb, it occurred to him that no one had likely ever done this before.

Van Wagner completing his mission.

“From there I thought about what a great challenge it would be to do the same thing in every county in Pennsylvania,” says Wagner. “I wanted my efforts to put the focus on Pennsylvania’s trees and forests.”

And that it did. His mission captured the attention of hundreds of media outlets including the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Our forests are treasures that need to be celebrated,” says Wagner, “But they also need to be managed. All Pennsylvanians play a role in this conversation about how best to manage our forests.”

As the only state in the nation named for its forest, Pennsylvania is the number one producer and exporter of hardwoods. The state’s forest products industry represents the largest sector of agriculture as it has a $39 billion economic impact on the commonwealth’s economy. The industry also employs over 60,000 Pennsylvanians.

Despite the sector’s profound impact, sometimes the industry receives a bad rap. “For some, the concept of working forests is difficult to understand,” says Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, executive director of Keystone Wood Products Association, a non-profit hardwood utilization group. “Oftentimes people view harvesting in ill light, but when it is done sustainably, it actually increases forest health.”

She explained that the industry has advanced since the clear-cut days of the 1900s.

“So much has changed, but one thing remains the same. Trees do not live forever. One of two things happen — a tree can be harvested, or it can be left to die and decay in the woods, which releases stored carbon back into the air,” says Phillips-Taggart. “If a tree is harvested and transformed into a beautiful wood product, the product stores the carbon for its life.”

According to Phillips-Taggart, harvesting trees decreases competition for soil nutrients and opens up the forest canopy, which offers smaller trees more sunlight. This allows younger trees — which are more efficient at sequestering carbon — an opportunity to thrive.

“Forests with diverse age classes are better able to withstand disease and pest outbreaks,” she added. “Increased forest health improves carbon sequestration and storage — ultimately helping our environment.”

According to experts, wood products also use lower amounts of energy to produce.

“Working forests are a win,” says Phillips-Taggart. “When a tree is harvested every part of it is used.”

She noted that sawdust can serve as animal bedding or to produce heating pellets. Slash — treetops — act as natural fencing to deter deer from browsing on seedlings. Small logs can be used for pulp for paper and packaging. Low- and high-grade lumber can be transformed into durable and healthy wood products.

Marc Lewis, co-owner of Dwight Lewis Lumber Products, Hillsgrove, believes Wagner’s efforts help share this message.

“Van’s journey helped bring awareness to the benefits of working forests,” said Lewis, who accompanied Van on numerous climbs along with his dog, Sylva. “His journey has been amazing to watch. I admire his dedication to the forest products industry.”

Wagner’s journey was not an easy one. He braved rough terrain, subzero temperatures, heatwaves, high winds and even moments that made his heart stop. He recounted a laughable encounter with a briar bush.

“I climbed on a commercial property that was loud due to well activity. Upon entering the area, I had been warned about the resident rattlesnakes,” explained Wagner. “As I started my climb, I bent down into a briar bush, but my first thought was that it was a rattlesnake.”

Each location created memories for the 48-year-old. The highlight may have been his climb at Blue Knob State Park, when the Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding strapped on climbing gear to join Wagner in his efforts to elevate the forest products industry.

“It was an honor. Secretary Redding did fantastic,” says Wagner, “Climbing takes a lot of strength and he breezed through the climb.”

To make these moments possible, Wagner, who was recently named the solo artist from the PA Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame and the 2025 Penn State University Ecosystem Management’s Outstanding Alumni, first meticulously plotted the state’s highest points. He gained permission to climb parcels owned by a variety of entities — including private landowners.

“Many of the trees were on private lands,” says Wagner. “Can you believe not one landowner denied me access? That speaks volumes for Pennsylvanians.”

Wagner’s family, including his wife and their sons Luke and Calvin supported him along the way. In addition to Lewis, Wagner’s college friend Bryan Pearson also joined him on a number of climbs.

His last climb fittingly ended at Mount Davis, the highest point in the state. He was joined by Lewis, Pearson, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) State Forester Seth Cassell and DCNR Assistant State Forester Matt Keefer and Phillips-Taggart, among others.

His journey concluded in a big toothed aspen tree — a tie between the Eastern hemlock and the black gum tree. He dedicated the climb to a man who escaped enslavement in the south and made a living from the surrounding forest by making tar in the 1800s.

“His name is lost to history, but his story will always be remembered,” Wagner said.

Wagner’s journey will also be remembered as an important part of forest history.

Wagner concluded, “It is my hope that my climbing efforts have inspired people to get involved with forestry in our state.”