This is part 1 in a series of articles that OLC NEWS will be publishing on forestry-related educational programs in the Pacific Northwest. Some have been in existence for several years, and others are just getting started. Please contact us to let us know about specific educational programs in your neck of the woods, and we’ll be sure to mention them in future articles.
In Part 1 of this series we will mention
Oregon Logging Conference Foundation, Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Forests Today and Forever, Talk About Trees, Project Learning Tree and The Pacific Forest Foundation.
Look for part 2 in this series in the September issue of OLC NEWS.
Contact information:
Email: info@ofri.org
Phone: 971.673.2944
OFRI Education Programs:
K – 12 programs:
There are many programs and materials available to support forestry education in the field and in the classroom. Materials are broken down into grades K – 2, 3 – 5, 6 – 8, and 9 – 12. This information is based on the Oregon Forest Literacy Program developed in 2016 developed by forest resource specialists, educators and academics.
Rediscovery Forest:
This is an actively managed working forest used for educational purposes and located in the park-like environment of The Oregon Garden in Silverton, OR. Visitors to this 15- acre forest can learn about different types of forests and forest management,
Landowner Education
: This program offers a variety of training opportunities such as workshops, forest tours, and webinars to encourage sound forestry practices on family forests
Wood Products Education:
This program promotes the benefits of using traditional and innovative wood products grown and manufactured in the Pacific Northwest. The program aims to strengthen demand for wood products among architects, engineers, contractors, and developers who design and construct commercial and residential buildings.
Forest Proud:
There are many reasons to be proud to work in and support the Oregon forest sector. The Forest Proud toolkit is available to employers to share with their employees, reinforcing the key reasons for taking pride in working in the forest industry.
Publications:
Includes 2019 Forest Report, and information on climate change, biomass energy, forest management, fire, streams, and reforestation.
Videos
: Videos available for downloading on a variety of topics related to forest, forest management and forest products. OFRI works closely with the scientific and academic communities to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information provided in these educational videos.
Image Galleries:
Select images, info-graphics and tables related to Oregon forests.
Contact information:
Email: coordinator@foreststodayandforever.org
Phone: 541.767.9078 or 541.554.1342
Promoting forest stewardship through education. This program includes k –12 custom curriculum, university tours, high school career education, forest and field days, outdoor school, high school field ops, and teachers.
Forests Today and Forever program is presented to nearly 900 elementary students on Thursday of the Annual Oregon Logging Conference.
Contact information:
An interactive, on-site, hands-on science-based program is for preschool through 8
th
grade students, presented by experienced facilitators and free to classrooms throughout Oregon. This program gives and overview of forest ecology, management practices, and forest products use. Over 3 million students and adults have participated in a Talk About Trees classroom program since 1991. The purpose of the program is to increase a student’s knowledge and awareness of forestry and related issues including the life cycle of trees, forest health, trees as a natural resource, forests as habitat for animals, and careers in forestry.
Talk About Trees program is also presented to nearly 900 elementary students on Thursday of the Annual Oregon Logging Conference.
Contact information:
Email: information@plt.org
Phone: 202.765.3641
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders, working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
PLT helps develop students’ awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the environment, builds their skills and ability to make informed decisions, and encourages them to take personal responsibility for sustaining the environment and the quality of life that depends on it.
Since its beginning in 1976, PLT has been using trees and forests as windows on the world to increase students' understanding of the environment, has reached 138 million students and trained 765,000 educators to help students learn “how” to think, not “what” to think about complex environmental issues.
Contact information:
Phone: 360.832.1745
Adopt a High School:
This program involves one-on-one interaction with high school students, who represent the next generation of loggers and forestry workers .It is designed to develop, recruit, and retain a younger generation of employees for the industry. Instead of waiting for workers to come to companies, Adopt a High School takes companies to the students and potential employees. It also offers an opportunity to redefine any misunderstandings students might have about logging and the industry.
The program includes a self-directed toolbox of information allowing companies a clear understanding of work expectations and selecting a qualified candidate. Companies will learn new ways to present their business and employment opportunities in a positive, professional manner.
This is My Office:
This video is an inside look about the variety of jobs available in today’s timber industry. There are well-paying jobs currently available for loggers, heavy equipment operators, biologists, diesel mechanics, and more.
This video shows young professionals involved in the industry talking about why they chose to work in the field and why they are interested in making it a long-term career.
Contact information:
Email: info@oregonloggingconference.com
Phone: 541.686.9191
Future Forestry Workers Career Day
:
This event attracts the next generation of workers to the timber and other natural resource industries. The event is held in conjunction with the Annual Oregon Logging Conference and will take place on Friday February 21, 2020 at the Lane Event Center and Fairgrounds.
This hands-on, career planning opportunity for 9
th
thru 12
th
grade students, teachers, and career counselors from high schools in Oregon, are invited to participate in this event. The event will include activities and exhibits that highlight current job opportunities for ambitious and interested young men and women.
Students will be able to view today’s state-of-the-art logging and forestry equipment and interact with industry professionals on a personal one-to-one basis.
The logging industry (and many other industries) are in desperate need for a younger workforce to step in and help guide business into the future. The goal of this on-site career day is to attract the next generation of workers.
Scholarship Program:
The Oregon Logging Conference Foundation (OLCF) scholarship program offers financial aid to students who are studying in forestry and related areas. Applications for next school year will be accepted starting December 1st and must be received in the OLCF office no later than April 1st of the following year. To download the 2020 Scholarship application
click here
.