International Paper’s “Jackie Davis” educates Millions of school children in the 1950s

International Paper is not new to its commitment of sustainability and has reached far beyond the focus of environmental stewardship throughout its 125 years of existence. In 1949, IP’s chief executive, John H. Hinman, launched a yearly educational comic book to southern school children in an effort to creatively inspire a future of sustainability-minded foresters.

Jackie Davis and Smokey Bear, from the 1955 issue, “The Trees That are Marked for Market.”

Focused on the young Jackie Davis and his journey, more than 1.2 million school children were able to learn and practice responsible forest management.

With the help of his friend Tom Johnson, a conservation forester for IP’s Southern Kraft Division, Jackie helped lead his friends, family and community to become smart and safe tree farmers.

"How Does the Tree Crop Grow"

1953 edition, both pages

Thanks to the colorful and engaging medium, typically full of heroes with superpowers, the success of the program influenced wide attention to the fields of forestry and education.

From "The Trees That are Marked for Market," 1955