The Bronx Zoo is known to millions. School children throughout several states fondly remember class trips to the Zoo. What is less well known is that Bronx Zoo and four other New York area zoos are run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, and that the zoos are just one part of the Society's mission to save wildlife and wild places through scientific research, global conservation and education. When it came time to build the Society's new headquarters on the grounds of the Bronx zoo - CitiLog was contacted to upcycle wood from the building site.

It was a natural decision for the Wildlife Conservation Society to upcycle the wood at their new headquarters location. CitiLog removed mixed hardwoods like Ash and Red Oak from the building site and returned the finished wood for use as interior millwork throughout the new building.

FXFowle Architects of New York designed the building - it is a triumph of aesthetics, functionality and sustainability (firm link). FXFowle continues to be a worldwide leader in green building and sustainable design. Their commitment to these principles is evident in the fact that 70% of their staff is LEED accredited.

The picture of the WCS building illustrates a changing dynamic in materials use on the outside of buildings. The wood siding is Black Locust. Many of today's green designs call for wood on the exterior of the building, often for sun shading. In the past chemically treated lumber or tropical hardwoods were the primary wood choices for this application. However, Black Locust lumber is an increasingly popular choice. Black Locust has a natural rot resistance that allows it to withstand the weather for generations. Through our affiliate company, Black Locust Lumber (link) Citilog is able to provide this beautiful and durable wood for outdoor applications including siding, decking, fencing and furniture. Whenever possible we source our Black Locust from trees that are toppled by weather, or compromised by age or disease. However, that is not always possible, at that point we remove trees from aging forests in West Virginia, and Western Maryland. Black Locust was planted in these areas decades ago, but the market for the wood died under the assault of treated lumber. These Black Locust stands are threatened by age and encroachment of other species so we are able to harvest the wood before it is lost. As a result we are able to provide a wood with great character and exceptional durability that substitutes for chemically treated lumber and tropical hardwoods.