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.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a 209-acre site located along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River, within the Howard Buford Recreation Area, 7 miles from downtown Eugene. The arboretum highlights the native ecosystems of the southern Willamette Valley. Seven miles of groomed trails meander through mixed forest, oak savannah, meadow and riparian areas. Students learn about tree identification, forest ecology, wildlife habitats and other seasonal topics. All programs address the state science standards for elementary grades. Check the website for more information or call to schedule a tour.

Established in 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) engages youth and young adults to improve our region’s public and private lands. Through NYC’s programs, participants develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership skills in an outdoor setting. Just as important, NYC helps young people gain a better understanding of modern resource management and related careers. Participants earn a paycheck or stipend, high school credit and a solid job reference.

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.

Teams of five students participate in this hands-on environmental problem-solving competition. Teams complete training and testing in five categories – aquatic ecology, forest ecology, wildlife ecology, soils and land use – and one current environmental issue. Winning teams may advance to the National Envirothon event and compete for recognition, scholarships and prizes. Professional development for instructors, student field trips, training sessions and study equipment are available to prepare teams for the competition.

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.

Port Blakely offers experiential learning through an interactive forestry field trip. Students play games, complete hands-on activities, and learn in a fun, fast-paced environment as they traverse an ADA-accessible trail. The tour site features forests of various ages, as well as a stream and a riparian area. Students actively participate in learning about trees, wildlife, water, sustainability, climate change and forestry

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.

The Friends of Tryon Creek State Park offer hands on, experiential field trips designed to facilitate student-driven exploration of basic concepts in science and natural history in a southwest Portland urban forest. Full- and half-day programs for preschool through fifth grade are offered, focusing on topics from animal adaptations and sensory exploration to watersheds and forest succession.

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is an urban refuge located close to a metropolitan area that uses comprehensive, integrated, hands-on educational methods. Field-trip activities are designed to mesh with teachers’ objectives and trained volunteer naturalists can co-lead nature-themed field trips, including the Habitats of the Refuge field trip. Naturalists can help teach students about riparian forests, oak woodland and associated interactions with wildlife in these ecosystems.

The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum is located across from the Oregon Zoo and adjacent to Hoyt Arboretum. Students of all ages can explore their connection to forests through unique interactive exhibits. Exhibits focus on Northwest native trees, forests around the world, and more. Thoughtful, colorful exhibits are content-rich and aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.  World Forestry Center is an Oregon nonprofit organization established in 1966 to create and inspire champions of sustainable forestry.