Spring 2019 | Volume 13, Number 2
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Inspiring people to connect with the Tillamook State Forest.
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Director
Fran McReynolds
Interpretation & Education Coordinator
Denise Berkshire
Lead Educator
Luke Wahl
Visitor Services Coordinator
Jen Warren
Visitor Services Assistant
Megan Lacy
Facilities Maintenance Coordinator
Christian Hargrove
Facilities Maintenance Assistant
Teresa Anderson
Seasonal Educators
Cam Amabile
Sara Fischer
Executive Director, Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust
Ross Holloway
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Reopening
Friday, March 1,
10:00 am
We hope to see you soon!
Spring hours:
Wednesday - Sunday,
10 am - 4 pm
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Follow us on Facebook.
Help us get over 5,000 likes!
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Fresh Brewed Forestry: a presentation series for curious minds
Do you a have a curious mind? Do you care about Oregon’s forests? Do you like coffee?
Come to the center and cozy up for Fresh Brewed Forestry, a new presentation series where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Enjoy a cup of coffee as forest scientists share stories from the field about the exciting research and projects that are happening in Oregon’s forests.
In Oregon’s state forests, science informs management decisions. Making those decisions is a delicate balance of managing sustainable timber harvests while protecting sensitive species and waterways. The Oregon Department of Forestry also needs these experts to figure out how to grow forests that are resilient to threats like insect infestations, disease outbreaks, and wildfires. The findings of ODF scientists are helping the public and private forest owners come up with innovative solutions to difficult forest health challenges.
Coffee and tea will be provided while you satisfy your thirst for knowledge. Presentations will feature different presenters and topics once a month on Saturdays at 11:00 am during spring and fall. More details are available on the
Tillamook Forest Center Program and Events website
. Grab a cup and feed your curiosity.
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From the Director
The Tillamook Forest Center community: like lichens?
As I was walking along the trails at the Tillamook Forest Center, lichen-covered tree limbs blown down in winter storms pulled me in for a closer look. You might know that each lichen consists of an algae and a fungus living together; the fungus provides structure and the algae provides food. Together, they create a wonderful variety of vibrant forms of lichens living in tight-knit community on many different surfaces. Looking at them in detail is a great way to appreciate their individual functions.
During our winter season, the tight-knit community surrounding the center worked together on the structure and nourishment that help keep us vibrant. Folks from South Fork Forest Camp assisted in replacing our worn-out entryway floor, maintaining defensible space, and with many painting and cleaning projects. A multitude of volunteers helped with numerous details, including deep-cleaning the lookout tower, exhibit spaces, and community room as well as getting the gift shop ready to restock with treasures. On top of that, funds from a diverse group of community supporters are purchasing needed furnishings for the new Forest Education Pavilion.
Thanks to all who have contributed in some way, we are entering our 14
th
season at the center. The next time you visit, take a closer look and consider what function you might play as part of the center community. And you might see lichens in a new light.
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Finishing touches on the Forest Education Pavilion
The pavilion at the Tillamook Forest Center is up and running! Thanks to the generosity of local foundation grants, industry partners, like-minded organizations, and individual donors like you, the pavilion is a reality. The holiday wreath-making program, school groups and others are already using the space and give it rave reviews.
Now, you or your organization are invited to contribute $100, $200, or any amount you wish to help with the final pavilion furnishings and technology.
Click here
to donate online.
Together, we can put the finishing touches on this beautiful forest education space! Be sure to look in on our progress the next time you’re at the TFC.
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Thank you from TFC staff and some visiting students—we are ever so grateful for your support!
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Volunteering is a work of heart
This year promises to be another wonderful operating season, especially due to our cadre of returning and new volunteers! We are grateful to have an incredible group of people donating their time and their hearts to serve Tillamook Forest Center (TFC) visitors.
We would like to extend a heart-felt Oregon welcome our new spring site hosts Pat and Ann Yost. Originally from Nebraska, their current home base is Phoenix, Arizona with winters spent in San Carlos, Mexico. Their summers are fulfilled with volunteering in states with milder climates. Retired from careers in sales, marketing, telecom engineering, IT, and real estate, Pat and Ann are now able to follow their passions. Pat is an avid pickle ball player and loves to jam with his guitar. Ann has recently taken up acrylic paint pouring as a form of art, and has dug out her 40-year-old sewing machine to create adorable infant and toddler clothing.
When asked what they find most rewarding about volunteering, their response was twofold. “First and foremost, we both enjoy interacting with people. Meeting new people and making new friends is always the best part of any adventure that we undertake. Providing fun, positive experiences to TFC guests will be very rewarding. Secondly, we both feel learning is a lifelong journey, not a destination. At this point in our lives, new experiences are the most important part of our days.” We are thrilled that Pat and Ann have selected to join the TFC family, and share their time and hearts with our visitors.
Available volunteer positions
Are you, or someone you know, looking to share your skills and passion? Are you looking to join a fun team of forest-loving folks? Would you like to make a difference? Become a Tillamook Forest Center volunteer! By being a center volunteer, you play a vital role in the community by supporting and enhancing the center’s programs, services and mission, while serving those who also enjoy the forest. The TFC is currently seeking volunteers for the following positions:
- Day volunteers work a weekly schedule and must be able to commit to a 2 – 4 hour shift once a week for a minimum of three months. A commuter shuttle is available from Forest Grove and Tillamook, but requires a full workday of volunteering. We are currently seeking the following positions:
- Information desk greeters
- Trail ambassadors / facility assistants
- School field trip assistants
- Experience guides
- Forest history research assistants
- On-site hosts live in their RV at a full-hookup facility on the center grounds.
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Discover the forest this spring through art and science
How do you connect with the forest? Upcoming spring events at the center speak to both creative spirits and scientific minds.
If you enjoy drawing in your sketchbook or perusing art galleries, you’ll appreciate Forest Floor to Gallery, a spring art exhibit by woodworker and artist Martin Conley, which includes an art demonstration on April 27
th. You can also try your hand at biological illustration with artist Dorota Haber-Lehigh’s Sketching Wildflowers and Butterflies workshop on April 28
th.
Perhaps, you enjoy TED talks or you have an endless curiosity about how the world works. If this sounds like you, check out Fresh Brewed Forestry, a guest presenter series featuring Oregon Department of Forestry scientists. Presentations will showcase how we use science to manage Oregon’s forests all while chatting over a cup of coffee or tea.
This spring’s event schedule also features family-friendly favorites like the Arbor Week Tree Celebration on April 6
th & 7
th, the Summer Steelhead Release on April 13
th & 14
th, Wildfire Awareness Month celebration on May 5
th, and World Migratory Bird Day activities on May 11
th & 12
th. For more information about these events and upcoming interpretive programs, keep an eye on the
Program & Event Calendar.
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Facilities update
During the winter, the facilities staff are busier than ever getting the building and the site ready to be opened again in the spring.
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Welcome back, Teresa!
Teresa Anderson was raised on a farm in Forest Grove, Oregon. She was excited to move back to the family farm helping her father in the hazelnut orchard. The Tillamook Forest Center has held many special memories for her, and after many hours of volunteering, she is excited to be back working in facilities.
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