From forest to classroom: A partnership rooted in the future

What began in one of the Southeast's most biodiverse forests has become a place where future forestry leaders will learn for generations to come.

The longstanding partnership between Norfolk Southern and Clemson University reached an important milestone last week with the dedication of Clemson's new Forestry and Environmental Conservation building, which incorporates timber donated from Brosnan Forest, our 14,400-acre preserve in South Carolina. The partnership traces its roots back more than a century, when Southern Railway helped connect the young university to the rest of the region. Today, the ceremony celebrates the completion of a project first announced in 2024 and reflects a shared commitment to sustainable forestry, conservation, and preparing the next generation of environmental leaders.

From Brosnan Forest to Clemson

For decades, Brosnan Forest has served as a living laboratory for sustainable forest management, wildlife conservation, and forestry research.

The project also builds on our longstanding relationship with Clemson University. Since 2019, we've contributed more than $115,000 to support the university, in addition to the in-kind timber donation that helped bring the new facility to life.

That relationship extends well beyond philanthropy. For decades, Clemson students and researchers have used Brosnan Forest to study longleaf pine ecosystems, prescribed fire, and endangered wildlife, making the Forest an important part of the university's research and education mission.

Today, timber harvested from the Forest has taken on a new purpose, helping form part of a building where students will study the science and stewardship of natural resources.

Ahead of the public dedication, we joined Clemson to celebrate the opening of the Norfolk Southern Teaching Lab, recognizing a partnership that will continue supporting forestry education for years to come.

Growing the next generation

The new Forestry and Environmental Conservation building will serve as a hub for learning, research, and collaboration, connecting students with the tools and experiences they'll need to lead the future of forestry, wildlife, and conservation.

Valued at approximately $600,000, the timber donation represents a significant investment in Clemson's growth. It creates a lasting connection between responsible forest stewardship and the classrooms where future professionals will develop the knowledge to carry that work forward.

What they’re saying

“We are grateful to Norfolk Southern for their strong support of this landmark facility, which proudly showcases the vital connection between healthy forest management and sustainable construction. Clemson University’s new Forestry and Environmental Conservation building utilizes 62,000 square feet of cross-laminated timber (CLT) made from regional Southern Yellow Pine harvested from Norfolk Southern’s Brosnan Forest in the South Carolina Lowcountry. In honor of this generous gift, our University has named the building’s state-of-the-art classroom laboratory the Norfolk Southern Teaching Lab.” — Matthew Holt, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences and Vice President for Public Service and Agriculture at Clemson University

“Great partnerships create opportunities that extend well beyond a single project. Together with Clemson University, we're demonstrating how responsible stewardship and collaboration can support education, advance conservation, and prepare future leaders to build on this work for years to come." — Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer

The big picture

The dedication marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the building and the partnership behind it.

Together with Clemson, NS is helping ensure that the lessons of sustainable forestry extend beyond the forest itself, creating opportunities for students, advancing conservation, and supporting the future of one of the region's most important natural resources.

That collaboration continues beyond the classroom. Later this fall, NS and Clemson will host a field day at Brosnan Forest to explore how cattle grazing can be integrated into southern pine management, bringing together researchers, landowners, and forestry professionals to share practical approaches to balancing production goals with environmental stewardship.

Learn more about our investments in nature-based solutions that protect and restore the environments where we operate here.