The Lookout Newsletter Banner
Fall 2017  |  Volume 11, Number 3
Inside this issue
Save the date!

 

ODF logo

 

 

TFC logo
Tillamook Forest Center
Inspiring people to connect with the Tillamook State Forest.
TFC Staff
Director
Fran McReynolds
 
Interpretation & Education Coordinator
Denise Berkshire
 
Lead Interpreter/ Educator
Luke Wahl
 
Visitor Services Coordinator
Jen Warren
 
Visitor Services Assistant
Megan Lacy
   
Facilities Coordinator
Christian Hargrove

Seasonal Educators
Cam Amabile
Sara Fischer 

Interns
Nikki Burtis
Chris Galbreath
 
Facilities Assistant
Matt Goolsby

Pacific University Work Study
Mackenzie Walgren
 
Executive Director, Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust
Ross Holloway

Follow the TFC on Facebook
Follow the TFC on YouTube
Keep it clean for those downstream!
A sample of trash that was collected during the first ten days of August
What do diapers, shoes, and bottle caps have in common? They are some of the most frequent pieces of trash that Tillamook Forest Center staff have found along the Wilson River this summer. While the Wilson River is a great place to recreate and cool off, high numbers of people can have detrimental effects if everyone doesn't respect others and the environment by cleaning up after themselves.
 
We have found all sorts of interesting things left behind - including diapers on the river's edge
Staff equipped with grabbers, buckets, and trash bags to hand out, traveled along the river during weekends this summer to help mitigate the trash problem along the Wilson.
 
Not only is litter unsightly, left behind trash can also negatively impact wildlife in the area, and pose potential environmental health threats such as reducing water quality.
 
Let's all take care of the forest together!
 
What can you do?
  • Participate in the Wilson River SOLVE clean up, Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Jones Creek Day Use Area. Visit http://bit.lyhtt/2vG5JDG to register.
  • Practice "Leave No Trace" principles while in the forest, pack it in and pack it out https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles.
  • Remind/encourage others to clean up after themselves.
  • Volunteer at the Center and help us out!
From the Director:
Shadows
Crescents of light from the solar eclipse
A small crowd gathered on the TFC's Wilson River bridge and in the plaza on the morning of August 21, protective glasses in place, to celebrate the solar eclipse. We watched as the moon's passing shadow created crescent shapes of tree-filtered light and dancing lines on the ground. While the number of visitors was much smaller than we expected, the event was a valuable exercise in teamwork and preparation for us.
 
Darryl at the TFC
A far more impactful shadow for us this summer was the loss of our team member, TFC Facilities Coordinator Darryl Anderson, who passed away in late July after a long illness. Darryl's imprint on the TFC is evident everywhere, even though his everyday work was frequently behind the scenes. Darryl kept the complex systems at the TFC operating so that visitors were rarely aware of any difficulties, even when the unexpected happened. We will remember Darryl for his quiet sense of humor, his breadth and depth of knowledge, and his "get 'er done" attitude.
Fran McReynolds
We can_t do it without the help of great people like these_
Many thanks to our exceptional volunteers
It has been a busy summer here at the Tillamook Forest Center and we would not be able to provide such an engaging and memorable visitor experience without the help of all of our wonderful volunteers. We would like to highlight our returning volunteer site hosts, Bill Kubicz and Donna Drury-Kubicz, and Randy and Judy Ball. They came right at the height of our busy season and were willing to help out wherever needed. We really appreciate their dedication and enthusiastic attitudes. From everyone at the TFC, "we thank you!"
 
Interested in volunteering with us? Start by filling out an application on our website at http://www.tillamookforestcenter.com/about_05.html.

New TFC staff for 2017 Welcome to the TFC family
Hi, I'm Christian Hargrove, Tillamook Forest Center Facilities Coordinator. I went to Oregon State University at the La Grande, Oregon campus, where I received a B.S. in Natural Resources, and am a Ford Family Foundation Scholar. In my free time I like hunting, fishing, spelunking, hiking, etc.
 
Hey there! My name is Nicolette Burtis, Nikki for short, and I've had a great time being a Forestry Intern here at the Center this summer. I just graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy. In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, and cooking. This fall I will be working as an Urban Forestry and Community Outreach Specialist with Our City Forest in San Jose, CA.
 
Hey! My name is Chris Galbreath and I am an intern here at the Tillamook Forest Center. I currently go to school at Oregon State University studying Recreation Resource Management. I grew up in Beaverton, Oregon with a love of the outdoors, volunteering, and baseball. Go Seattle Mariners! I am very excited to work at the Tillamook Forest Center and meet all the great people that work here.

Get your tickets now for the Root Ball 2017 News of the Trust
The second Root Ball, on September 23, will have a different twist this year. The Trust hopes you will join us for a "Murder Mystery" at the Tillamook Forest Center. Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar on the lovely bridge over the Wilson River. The theme is "Midnight at the Masquerade". Guests are encouraged to dress up. Use your imagination! Follow clues and solve a fictitious crime while helping to support the Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust and the Forest Pavilion project. A giving tree will also offer special funding opportunities. We hope to see you there! Tickets can be purchased online this year--click here for more information.
 
There is still time to contribute to the Forest Education Pavilion, even if you cannot attend the Root Ball. You can be part of a strong finish for our fundraising campaign as we prepare to select a contractor for construction on the new pavilion. We hope to be ready to host school students there for the spring programs in 2018. To make a donation to the pavilion project, you can contact the staff at the Tillamook Forest Center (503-815-6700), or Executive Director Ross Holloway at 503-945-7318, or donate online.
Fall programs and exhibits that should not be missed, rain or shine
Fall rains bring new life to the forest, and it is a perfect time to visit the Tillamook Forest Center. A new art exhibit and a slew of upcoming programs will provide great opportunities to enjoy the best of the season. Check out Stories from the Forest, an enticing collection of encaustic paintings by Marge Hayes, on display September 8 - November 26.
 
Show your love for the forest at the Wilson River Cleanup on September 23. Enjoy all the rain promises at the Mysterious Mushrooms program lead by State Park Ranger Dane Osis on October 15 and attend a naturalist-led Rainforest Walk on November 4. Come back at the end of November for two annual favorites: the Chinook Salmon Release and Holiday Wreath Making. Registration is required and space is limited for some programs. For more information visit http://www.tillamookforestcenter.com/events_05.html.
 
Join us for great fall programs_
Smooth & quiet sailing during the TFC-clipse
August 21st provided a rare opportunity for the staff to explore their solar-tistic side through impromptu interpretive dance, shadow casting, and sun prints. Our normal crowd of weekend visitors chose to explore other places, but we still managed to have a lot of fun.
 
TFC staff prepare for the eclipse

Naturalist notes

 (503) 815-6800    |  (866) 930-4646