Weyerhaeuser is planting even deeper roots in Buckhannon.
The longtime timber and wood products company announced plans this week to invest $1 million in the Upshur County community through its THRIVE program — a multi-year effort aimed at helping rural towns like Buckhannon grow stronger and more sustainable for generations to come.
The funds will be distributed over the next several years with guidance from local elected officials, business leaders, nonprofits, employees and community partners.
Buckhannon mayor Robbie Skinner said the city was “excited and grateful” to be selected as one of the company’s THRIVE communities — a designation that marks a major milestone for the city and its long-standing relationship with Weyerhaeuser.
“This investment is a clear signal of Weyerhaeuser’s commitment to Buckhannon,” Skinner said. “We look forward to partnering with company leaders and the people of this great community to build a stronger and better future together.”
Buckhannon is the third community nationwide chosen for THRIVE, which Weyerhaeuser launched in 2023 to support sustainable, long-term growth in its rural operating areas. The initiative aims to strengthen the economic and social fabric of towns closely tied to the forest products industry.
“Rural operating communities like Buckhannon are so important to the success of our business and to the greater health of the forest products industry,” said Devin W. Stockfish, Weyerhaeuser’s president and CEO. “We want to make sure these communities remain great places to live, work and do business for years to come, and are looking forward to growing the positive impact of our THRIVE program as we expand it in Buckhannon and the surrounding area.”
Weyerhaeuser has operated an engineered wood products plant in Buckhannon for more than 25 years. The facility consistently ranks among the company’s top-performing sites for safety and manufacturing reliability, the company said. In addition, Weyerhaeuser sustainably manages more than 250,000 acres of timberlands across West Virginia and operates an oriented strand board mill in Sutton.
Company officials emphasized that THRIVE isn’t just a financial commitment. The program involves collaboration between company leaders and local stakeholders to identify the community’s biggest needs and opportunities — from youth education to workforce development and beyond.
“Every THRIVE community has different needs and priorities,” said Nancy Thompson, Weyerhaeuser’s senior director of advocacy and philanthropy. “We’re looking forward to hearing directly from the Buckhannon community and working with the people and organizations there to support projects and community improvements that make a real and lasting impact.”
THRIVE is part of Weyerhaeuser’s broader “3 by 30 Sustainability Ambition,” a companywide initiative focused on strengthening rural communities, advancing climate solutions and conserving forests.
Previous THRIVE awards have gone to Zwolle, Louisiana, and Raymond, Washington. Two additional communities will be announced in the coming years, each receiving a $1 million investment.
