A thriving society relies on forests for clean air and water, places to recreate and relax, and essential products that shape our health, our prosperity, and our way of life. A great local example of this is the 400,000-square-foot, locally-sourced timber roof for the Portland International Airport that opens this month.
But when too few people treat forests as a social priority, our forests and our communities fall out of balance, and both suffer — look no further than the more than 1.2 million acres burned by wildfires in our home state of Oregon just halfway through this year’s fire season.
World Forestry Center has been at the intersection of people and forests for over five decades. Our work is centered on expanding the way people view and understand their relationship with forests. Through our programming and partnerships, we are engaging more voices in the forestry conversation and creating and inspiring sustainable forestry champions. It’s not just about the trees; it’s about the people.
In this edition of the Evergreen, you will learn more about:
- Our Multi-Sector Fellowship – In May, our Fellows gathered in Medford, OR, for a two-day, in-person workshop that included meetings with community leaders impacted by wildfire, tours with collaborating organizations who are leading the fuels reduction efforts necessary to reduce wildfire risk, and the first intense workshop in a years-long effort to explore how they can engage their communities more broadly in the wildfire conversation;
- Our Featured Art Exhibit – Braiding forest mythology with breathtaking photography, Tree People portrays the sacred connection between people and trees in Finnish folk culture;
- Our Growing Team – Over the last few months, we have further strengthened our team and programming with the addition of some key new staff members;
- Our Upcoming Events – The remainder of the year is full of programs that will deepen our existing partnerships and explore unique channels for engaging new communities.
This work is important, and we can’t do it alone. This summer, consider making a gift to help us reach and empower more of society so we can invest in the forests that have a significant impact on our everyday lives. Together, we can make a tangible impact on the future of our communities and forests.
With appreciation,
Joseph A. Furia
Executive Director