WFC July Newsletter

July 2016 Newsletter

The World Forestry Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting people to the importance of sustainably managed forests. We are supported by the generosity of individuals and community partners and are proud to recognize them.

A Message from Our Executive Director

Eric Vines
Executive Director

Once a month, the World Forestry Center convenes its staff and visiting International Fellows to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries over an informal luncheon that features a scrumptious dessert. This month, it was chocolate cake. After the gathering, our Nigerian Fellow, Abiodun "Abi" Solanke, approached me with a thick-padded envelope. It was from Dieter Siempelkamp, our German board member. I asked Abi what Dieter had sent. It turns out, one of our past newsletters featuring Abi and his architectural quest to solve Nigeria's housing shortage using quick-growing bamboo caught Dieter's attention. Dieter's company, Siempelkamp Industries, was one of the first companies in the world to make the industrial equipment that produces oriented strand board (OSB), so he sent Abi some samples made from new machines that can make OSB and particle board out of bamboo. How terrific is that? This connection could be just the one that Abi will need to begin building a new manufacturing base in Nigeria to construct buildings out of locally grown bamboo.

Speaking of our connections, for the past several years, we have been constructing a comprehensive database of the forestry sector, including those in government, academia, private, and nonprofit fields that work on forestry issues. This sector is a close family, and these connections are invaluable to us as we try to broaden the base of public understanding of sustainably managed forests and their importance to humanity. It is a responsibility we take very seriously.

As the world grapples with questions about how to address global climate change and population growth, we at the World Forestry Center have recommitted ourselves to work with forest management leaders that have joined in the search for answers. Figuring out how to best manage and utilize our forest resources is no easy task for our collective societies today. But, it is a vital one, because the health of our communities greatly depends on the health of our forests.

As you will see from our recently completed annual report, we are continuing to do our part in bringing leaders together through events and programming like the private luncheon discussion with climate scientist Dr. Steven Running and the World Forest Institute's International Fellowship Program. And we're developing plans to convene more public and professional gatherings, bringing together disparate groups to explore the issues that will help us appreciate and understand sustainable forest management as it relates to today's most pressing problems. We'll share updates in future newsletters about this expansion of convening programming and the promise it brings for increased dialogue around the role forestry plays in making all of our lives better. Who knows, when we get together, we might even have dessert. Chocolate cake, anyone?

Eric Vines

Executive Director

Conferences and Convening

Each month, you can learn about upcoming professional conferences and public events about sustainable forest management topics being held at the World Forestry Center. You can also read the latest summary reports highlighting key findings and lessons learned from recent WFC events.

Forest Products Forum , September 20 at the WFC

Who Will Own the Forest? 12 , September 20 - 22 at the WFC

The Hagenstein Lectures , A New Community Event featuring Emerging Voices in Forestry, October 9 at the WFC

Summary Report of the 3rd Annual Northwest Community Forest Forum , May 9 - 10 at the WFC

Read about the benefits, challenges, and key opportunities to advance community forestry in your region.

World Forest Institute News

Each month, you can learn about one of the WFC's visiting International Fellows who has been selected for a six-month assignment to collaborate with forestry practitioners here in the Pacific Northwest. The Fellows are passionate, engaged in their local communities, and committed to driving change in forest management practices around the globe.

International Fellow Spotlight: Karishmaa Pai

Where are you from?

Mumbai, formerly called Bombay. On the west coast of India, Mumbai is home to 20 million people, which is six times the density of New York City! I am also from Singapore where I moved to at age 11.

You've been here in the United States for three months so far. Tell us a little bit about your journey.

I flew from Bangalore to Frankfort, Germany, and then Orlando to Portland. I have family in Orlando, so I stopped there to visit with them, see Disneyworld, and get rid of my jet lag! Before flying to the United States, I was in Bangalore for a few months consulting and doing research for three different organizations for an agroforestry and biofuel project. This is my first time being in the Pacific Northwest.

Read the full article about International Fellow Karishmaa Pai.

You can contact Karishmaa directly at [email protected].

If you would like to invite Karishmaa to speak at your organization or event, please contact International Fellowship Program Manager Shadia Duery at [email protected].

WFC Art Gallery Exhibit


	Drift Sandra dal Poggetto Mallard Drake Pelts Oil on Wood


Visible From Space Abert Escarpment Paul Catanese Inkjet Print

Sediments, Sequences and Solitude

Please join the World Forestry Center and PLAYA

for a complimentary private reception on

Thursday, July 28 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm

World Forestry Center Art Gallery

Discovery Museum

4033 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221

RSVP to Amber Morrison at [email protected] or 503.488.2122

On view July 28 - September 25 * Free Art Gallery Admission

Community Events

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Date: August 17, 2016

Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Event Location:

World Forestry Center

Cheatham Hall

4033 SW Canyon Rd.

Portland, OR 97221

To schedule an appointment or for more information, please visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Sponsor Code: WashPark
or call 1-800-REDCROSS

ALL PRESENTING DONORS WILL RECEIVE 2 FREE WFC DISCOVERY MUSEUM PASSES!

Stay Wild Magazine's Adventure Festival and Expo

The World Forestry Center is pleased to be the venue for Stay Wild Magazine's Adventure Festival and Expo happening August 26 - 28. A tradeshow, field trips, workshops, food, drink, music, and fun are waiting for you at this free event.