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.