The Hinkle Creek Watershed in Sutherlin, OR was the site for a paired watershed instead from 2001-2011. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of different timber harvest types on stream ecosystems at the watershed scale. The original study collected a lot of data on fish population demographics, fish habitat, water quality, and streamflow. To understand how the fish population would respond to different harvest types at a catchment-scale, the study used longitudinal pool surveys to collect fish data. This video covers some of their findings.
Being safe with fire is one of the most important ways to reduce the threat of human-caused fire. This illustrated microsite joins the characters of the forest as they walk you through the basics of fire science, and how to make smart choices with fire in and around a forest.
The OSU Research Forests serve as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom for students, researchers and managers to learn about forest ecosystems and management. The Forest Discovery Trail program invites students to explore the Forest Discovery Trail and take a closer look at the plants and animals that live in this forest ecosystem.
Forests Today & Forever brings students to working tree farms to educate them about forest stewardship. Its cornerstone program, Forest Field Days, for grades 6-8, is a cross-curricular package with classroom and field-based learning designed to stimulate critical thinking and creative problem solving through role-playing. Students make observations about wildlife, soils and water, and learn about the forest as an important resource for timber, wildlife, clean water and recreation.
In this 140-acre family forest dedicated to education, demonstration and research, students examine how forests grow and change under different management strategies. Ongoing demonstrations include wildlife habitat enhancements, selective harvesting, intensive plantation forestry, riparian management and tree-growth research projects. Schools are invited for tours, field studies, service learning and other experiences customized to their interests and curricular needs.
Klamath Outdoor Science School provides youth with a unique experience in natural settings throughout the southern Oregon region. These programs inspire learning through exploration, discovery and inquiry while enhancing appreciation for the natural resources of the region. KOSS has a permanent site located about 45 miles north of Klamath Falls in the Sun Pass State Forest, which is managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry. KOSS offers programs at other sites along the coast, in the Rogue Valley and in the desert regions to the east.
The Oregon 4-H Outreach Leadership Institute prepares students for college and helps them explore different career options, develop leadership skills and conduct community service. The institute provides hands-on workshops and motivational speakers for students to learn about post-secondary education and how to apply for college, FAFSA and scholarships; explore careers related to natural resources, engineering, health professions, new technologies, law, music, culture and art; and develop leadership skills while engaging in fun and challenging educational activities.
The Oregon Garden Natural Resources Education Program presented by OFRI provides students in grades 4-6 a hands-on approach to natural resource education. The Rediscovery Forest is a dynamic demonstration forest located in the park-like environment of The Oregon Garden. This 15- acre educational forest helps students discover why Oregon’s working forests and other natural resources are essential to sustaining our quality of life. Students participate in programs focused on forest ecology, wildlife habitat, science inquiry, plant and animal adaptations, STEM, and much more.
Starker Forests is a fifth-generation, family-owned business that began in 1936, when T.J. Starker purchased cut-over forestlands. Today, Starker Forests actively manages more than 90,000 acres of forestland for timber production. The company encourages forestry education and offers classroom curricula. The Starker Forestry Trail is available for half-day and all-day field trips; a forester leads school groups on these trail tours.
The Tillamook Forest Center, located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest on Highway 6 about one hour west of Portland, offers educational programs, hands-on exhibits and field-trip opportunities. It’s fun and fully accessible. Programs examine the natural and cultural history, as well as the stewardship, of the Tillamook State Forest. All programs include pre- and post-activity suggestions, are correlated to state education requirements, and require registration. The center is open March through November. Please check the website for hours and days of operation.