Following the recent arrivals of three new WFI International Fellows to Portland, Oregon, WFI can happily say that for the first time in its history, the Fellowship boasts more women in the program than men. Each woman brings a different background and project, but all are firsts in their own way.
Kati Brueckner is a student at the University of Applied Sciences in Eberswalde, Germany. Her six month research project will examine the adoption and implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan. She is focusing on the contexts and underlying interests of policy and science that influenced the debate around the plan, in order to assess their contributions to the discourse as well as the ecopolitical responses. Kati is our first female German Fellow, and she actually won her sponsorship funding by winning $33,000 Euros in Germany's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Now that's a first!
Dr. Ke Dong is a Senior Forest Program Officer at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) China Liaison Office, based in Beijing. During her 12 month Fellowship, Ke will examine Payment for Ecological Services (PES) as a way to balance development with conservation objectives, and she will conduct a comparative study between China and the US to evaluate increasing international practices in PES. Dr. Ke is our first Fellow from China who comes through an NGO rather than state government, which shows how much the role of NGOs has grown in China in recent years.
Aline Moreira from Brazil is our first American Forest Foundation-sponsored Fellow. She completed her Masters in Sustainable Resource Management in the School of Forest Science and Resource Management at the Technical University in Munich, Germany, and has a background in social work. She will be spending her 12 month Fellowship to update and improve AFF's Project Learning Tree's "Global Connections: Forests of the World" curriculum. This is a guide and activity set for educators to help students gain an increased understanding and appreciation of the world forest environment, with emphasis on the human interaction with, and dependence on, those environments.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
A beautiful dinner!
WFI founder Harry Merlo hosted the Fellows for a lovely outdoor dinner at his home in Portland. Click on Kati and Harry for more photos.
Monday, June 01, 2009
GreenWood Breeds Success in Poplar Plantations
A worldwide leader in the hybridization of fast-growing, high-yield poplar trees, GreenWood Resources (GWR) develops genetic material and manages plantation resources in strategic regions in the US, Asia, and South America. Fellows visited with GWR’s managers and toured their breeding facilities and hybrid poplar plantations in western Oregon.
Developing high quality poplar genotypes is key to the company’s success. GWR breeds improved parent material and hybrid offspring, and have created over 40,000 varieties of hybrid poplar. Only the best varieties are used for clonal propagation, after field testing for disease resistance, yields, growth form, and other characteristics.
GreenWood Resources manages 2,500 hectares of hybrid poplars in western Oregon near Clatskanie, plus an additional 12,500 acres in eastern Oregon. The west-side poplars are grown on an 8-year rotation for pulp and 12-year rotation for sawlogs. Although the current markets are depressed, harvest was ongoing for shipment of logs by container to Korea. The logs are shipped via the Columbia river, and will be at their final destination in less than two weeks from harvest.
For more photos, click on Shen!
Developing high quality poplar genotypes is key to the company’s success. GWR breeds improved parent material and hybrid offspring, and have created over 40,000 varieties of hybrid poplar. Only the best varieties are used for clonal propagation, after field testing for disease resistance, yields, growth form, and other characteristics.
GreenWood Resources manages 2,500 hectares of hybrid poplars in western Oregon near Clatskanie, plus an additional 12,500 acres in eastern Oregon. The west-side poplars are grown on an 8-year rotation for pulp and 12-year rotation for sawlogs. Although the current markets are depressed, harvest was ongoing for shipment of logs by container to Korea. The logs are shipped via the Columbia river, and will be at their final destination in less than two weeks from harvest.
For more photos, click on Shen!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Oregon SAF Annual Meeting
The Oregon SAF annual meeting including several mill tours in southern Oregon. Click on the photo for more shots of Herbert Lumber, Roseburg Forest Products, and C&D Lumber.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Oregon Department of Forestry Shares Forest Management Vision
In addition to managing state forest lands, the Oregon Department of Forestry manages fire protection, oversees the Forest Practices Act, and develops forest policy and planning. The agency employs 800 people year round, and during fire season adds another 400 employees. Managers Dave Mormon and Dan Postrel introduced Fellows to the many functions and duties of the state agency, and discussed their experiences working for ODF.
Essentially, as a state agency ODF is governed by the people of Oregon. The Board of Forestry, the governor, advisory groups, and the state’s citizens direct the agency’s function and budget. This was of great interest to the Fellows, particularly those from countries where public land management agencies are organized in a much different fashion.
After visiting with ODF in Salem, Fellows toured the nearby State Capital to learn how state law is made. Many Fellows are unfamiliar with the importance of the fifty different state governments with the United States. Although the US has federal laws, much power and autonomy is given to individual states to make policy on the state level. This is particularly true for forestry policy for private and state lands, which in Oregon make up about 37% of all forestland.
Click on the group for more photos.
Essentially, as a state agency ODF is governed by the people of Oregon. The Board of Forestry, the governor, advisory groups, and the state’s citizens direct the agency’s function and budget. This was of great interest to the Fellows, particularly those from countries where public land management agencies are organized in a much different fashion.
After visiting with ODF in Salem, Fellows toured the nearby State Capital to learn how state law is made. Many Fellows are unfamiliar with the importance of the fifty different state governments with the United States. Although the US has federal laws, much power and autonomy is given to individual states to make policy on the state level. This is particularly true for forestry policy for private and state lands, which in Oregon make up about 37% of all forestland.
Click on the group for more photos.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Fellows featured in the Asian Reporter
Thanks to WFI's fabulous intern, Christy Meyer, the WFI program and international fellows have been featured in several local newspapers, including the Oregonian and the Asian Reporter. Check out this article written by Christy on page 10 of the Asian Reporter, published May 5. Click here to view the full paper.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Stimson Lumber Forestland and Mill
Stimson Lumber hosted Fellows at their Forest Grove forestland and mill. Stimson, a privately-held forest products and natural resource company, is based in Portland and has its roots dating back to the 1850s. Fellows visited with managers to learn more about the business of one of the oldest, continuously operating forest products companies in the United States.
Stimson’s Resource Group manages 500,000 acres of company-owned timberland, which are certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. The company primarily sells lumber to Home Depot, a retail outlet catering to the home remodeling and construction industry and “do-it-yourselfers.”
Fellows traveled through the snowy hills with forest managers Scott Gray and Dave Sweeney to visit a harvest site and learn about forest operations. They watched as a local contractor, Cross and Crown, felled trees and loaded them with ease onto log trucks. Fellows were impressed with the 40 to 45 year rotation age and the efficiency of harvesting.
The group followed the logs to the nearby Forest Grove mill, which employs 220 people. Mill manager Bob Banchero walked the group through the manufacturing process, where Fellows watched as logs were converted into dimensional lumber. Waste from the sawmill is then used to create hardboard on site, which has a variety of uses, including home siding. Fellow Shouxin Xie was particularly impressed with the operations and technology used. “This kind of scene is entirely different from China’s factories,” he said. “It’s high level of automation really makes me surprised.”
Stimson’s Resource Group manages 500,000 acres of company-owned timberland, which are certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. The company primarily sells lumber to Home Depot, a retail outlet catering to the home remodeling and construction industry and “do-it-yourselfers.”
Fellows traveled through the snowy hills with forest managers Scott Gray and Dave Sweeney to visit a harvest site and learn about forest operations. They watched as a local contractor, Cross and Crown, felled trees and loaded them with ease onto log trucks. Fellows were impressed with the 40 to 45 year rotation age and the efficiency of harvesting.
The group followed the logs to the nearby Forest Grove mill, which employs 220 people. Mill manager Bob Banchero walked the group through the manufacturing process, where Fellows watched as logs were converted into dimensional lumber. Waste from the sawmill is then used to create hardboard on site, which has a variety of uses, including home siding. Fellow Shouxin Xie was particularly impressed with the operations and technology used. “This kind of scene is entirely different from China’s factories,” he said. “It’s high level of automation really makes me surprised.”
Monday, April 06, 2009
Fellows in the Oregonian!
Portland residents may have seen the Oregonian newspaper's recent article highlighting the WFI Fellowship program in its Sustainability section's front page. The article was entitled "World Forestry Program Sends a Global Message: Overseas experts come to Oregon to learn the latest about sustainably growing and harvesting forests." Following the WFI Fellows on a field trip excursion to Hopkins Demonstration Forest, Victor Kawanga (Zambia), Milan Mataruga (Bosnia), Roslyn Henricks (Australia), and Shouxin Xie, Min Zhao, and Lanhui Wang (China) were interviewed by about why they came to Oregon and how the will apply their learning at home.
View the article at: http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/03/world_forestry_program_sends_a.html
View the article at: http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/03/world_forestry_program_sends_a.html
Brazilian Alumnus Joins WFC Board of Directors
In 1996, Claudio Ortolan completed a one-year Fellowship at WFI as the Brazilian representative, and WFI is proud to announce his election to the Board of Directors at the World Forestry Center. Claudio joins Jes Munk Hansen as the second WFI alumnus to sit on the board.
“I am very flattered and I hope to be able to collaborate,” says Claudio. “The time I spent in WFI was a continental divide in my career and was a very enjoyable time in my personal life too.”
“I see room for experience exchange between the North and South. In the South you have the intensively managed plantation forestry; everyone gets amazed seeing mature forest for harvest only 7 years old,” he explains. “The North is still the source of capital. And WFI has proved to be the meeting point of choice for the forest investment community.”
“The northern hemisphere companies also have the experience of dealing with environmental concerns. The environmental pressure may have changed sides. Forest companies are well positioned to supply sustainable and carbon neutral products and clean energy, and at the same time protect water and wildlife. WFI has been conveying this message for a long time.”
“I am very flattered and I hope to be able to collaborate,” says Claudio. “The time I spent in WFI was a continental divide in my career and was a very enjoyable time in my personal life too.”
“I see room for experience exchange between the North and South. In the South you have the intensively managed plantation forestry; everyone gets amazed seeing mature forest for harvest only 7 years old,” he explains. “The North is still the source of capital. And WFI has proved to be the meeting point of choice for the forest investment community.”
“The northern hemisphere companies also have the experience of dealing with environmental concerns. The environmental pressure may have changed sides. Forest companies are well positioned to supply sustainable and carbon neutral products and clean energy, and at the same time protect water and wildlife. WFI has been conveying this message for a long time.”
Australian Phil Lacy Moves to PF Olsen
Phil Lacy (Australia 2004) recently began working for PF Olsen Australia after many years at Forests New South Wales. PF Olsen is based in New Zealand, and they manage native and plantation forests for investors. They recently expanded their operations into Australia, and Phil will be working out of Emerald Beach, New South Wales. Phil can be reached at phil.lacy@pfolsen.com. Phil is also nearing completing of his Ph.D. in Forestry, focusing on prescribed fire in eucalyptus plantations.
Phil’s wife Janice is working as a physical education teacher at a local high school. Daughter Skye is now in 4th grade, and daughter Tiana is in 1st grade. They family spends time at their nearby tree farm growing eucalypts, and they recently bought a portable sawmill and tractor to begin milling their own wood. The first batch of lumber will be put to good use creating a deck for their home, which is a few short blocks from the beach.
Phil’s wife Janice is working as a physical education teacher at a local high school. Daughter Skye is now in 4th grade, and daughter Tiana is in 1st grade. They family spends time at their nearby tree farm growing eucalypts, and they recently bought a portable sawmill and tractor to begin milling their own wood. The first batch of lumber will be put to good use creating a deck for their home, which is a few short blocks from the beach.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Trappist Abbey Manages for Stewardship and Livelihoods
For the past fifty years, Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey has managed 900 acres in the Willamette Valley, a short 30 miles from Portland. The religious community of 29 monks operate several cottage industries, and “express religion through work.” In addition to forestry, their businesses provide income for the community, and include a bookbindery, bakery, and wine warehouse.
The Abbey forest is an important element of the monastic community. The mixed conifer and oak stands provide a spiritual setting and a sense of retreat from the outside world.
With the help of a private forest manager, Scott Ferguson of Trout Mountain Forestry, the monks manage for long term productivity. Their forest is certified through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Although operating costs are higher for FSC managed forests, the management philosophy fits well with the monks’ ownership goals, and certified logs ensure market access and last year saw a 20% market premium.
The Abbey forest gave Fellows an experience with private landowners, and a sense of the diverse objectives that they manage for. Private forestland owners are difficult to classify, as they are ten million in the US and their importance to land stewardship can not be underestimated.
The Abbey forest is an important element of the monastic community. The mixed conifer and oak stands provide a spiritual setting and a sense of retreat from the outside world.
With the help of a private forest manager, Scott Ferguson of Trout Mountain Forestry, the monks manage for long term productivity. Their forest is certified through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Although operating costs are higher for FSC managed forests, the management philosophy fits well with the monks’ ownership goals, and certified logs ensure market access and last year saw a 20% market premium.
The Abbey forest gave Fellows an experience with private landowners, and a sense of the diverse objectives that they manage for. Private forestland owners are difficult to classify, as they are ten million in the US and their importance to land stewardship can not be underestimated.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
February 2009 WFI Update Now Available
The newest WFI Update can now be downloaded from: http://wfi.worldforestrycenter.org/WFIupdate2.09.pdf
In this issue, find articles on:
*Welcome to New Fellows from China and Australia
*Congratulations to new Board of Directors member, Danish alumnus Jes Munk Hansen
*Holiday snow hits Portland
*Recent field tours to Weyerhaeuser Aurora Nursery and Tillamook Forest Center
*Alumni updates
Thanks,
Angie, Program Manager
Danish Alumnus Joins WFC Board of Directors
When Jes Munk Hansen joined WFI as the Danish Fellow in 1994, he hardly imagined that one day he would sit on the organization’s Board of Directors. Jes became the first alumnus to be voted in as a board member, and he is eager to contribute. "As a former Fellow I know the value of having senior executives on the Board who can guide the center and open doors for the activities and the interns at WFI," he says.
Jes has come a long way in the past fifteen years since he researched shipping projects and pricing for special forest products at WFI. He completed his Masters in forestry at the University of Copenhagen, as well as an MBA from London Business School. In 2000 he joined Grundfos Group, a company which develops, sells and produces pumps. Although Grundfos is not in the forest industry, his business and management training plus forestry’s long term perspective prepared him well. "I am looking forward to reconnecting with my background in forestry,” says Jes, “an industry which will always be close to my heart."
"I am very exited to rejoin WFC. The World Forest Institute was fundamental in getting my personal career started - now I want to contribute to further develop this great institution."
Jes has come a long way in the past fifteen years since he researched shipping projects and pricing for special forest products at WFI. He completed his Masters in forestry at the University of Copenhagen, as well as an MBA from London Business School. In 2000 he joined Grundfos Group, a company which develops, sells and produces pumps. Although Grundfos is not in the forest industry, his business and management training plus forestry’s long term perspective prepared him well. "I am looking forward to reconnecting with my background in forestry,” says Jes, “an industry which will always be close to my heart."
"I am very exited to rejoin WFC. The World Forest Institute was fundamental in getting my personal career started - now I want to contribute to further develop this great institution."
WFI Welcomes New Fellows from China and Australia
Two new Fellows recently joined WFI: in December, WFI welcomed Dr. Shouxin Xie, from Beijing, China, and in February, Ms. Roslyn Henricks from Mount Gambier, Australia.
Dr. Xie works for the Department of Forest Resources Management in the State Forestry Administration. His primary responsibilities are inventories and layouts of forest resources and supervising and management of forest harvest and resources utilization.
Shouxin will spend six months at WFI, researching the establishment and implementation of sustainable forest management policies in the US, especially in the Pacific Northwest. He hopes his research results will help improve the administration of China’s forest resource laws, particularly the establishment of sustainable harvest levels.
Roslyn Henricks joins WFI as the twelth fellow sponsored by The Gottstein Trust, Forest and Wood Products Australia, and the Harry Merlo Foundation. During her one year Fellowship, Roslyn’s research will investigate the relationship between the visual impacts of plantation forestry, social acceptability, plantation resource expansion, and landscape planning.
“Forest aesthetic value is strongly correlated with acceptance of forest management by a visually stimulated society,” Roslyn says, “and understanding how aesthetic value can be managed is critical if a forest industry is to be sustainable in a region or community.” Roslyn will compare plantation regions across Australia and the US, and hopes to recommend practical applications for improving aesthetic values and community support of plantations. Roslyn is well prepared for such a project, and has a combined degree in Forestry and Visual Arts at the Australian National University in Canberra, which included a 12 month international exchange at Oregon State University.
Dr. Xie works for the Department of Forest Resources Management in the State Forestry Administration. His primary responsibilities are inventories and layouts of forest resources and supervising and management of forest harvest and resources utilization.
Shouxin will spend six months at WFI, researching the establishment and implementation of sustainable forest management policies in the US, especially in the Pacific Northwest. He hopes his research results will help improve the administration of China’s forest resource laws, particularly the establishment of sustainable harvest levels.
Roslyn Henricks joins WFI as the twelth fellow sponsored by The Gottstein Trust, Forest and Wood Products Australia, and the Harry Merlo Foundation. During her one year Fellowship, Roslyn’s research will investigate the relationship between the visual impacts of plantation forestry, social acceptability, plantation resource expansion, and landscape planning.
“Forest aesthetic value is strongly correlated with acceptance of forest management by a visually stimulated society,” Roslyn says, “and understanding how aesthetic value can be managed is critical if a forest industry is to be sustainable in a region or community.” Roslyn will compare plantation regions across Australia and the US, and hopes to recommend practical applications for improving aesthetic values and community support of plantations. Roslyn is well prepared for such a project, and has a combined degree in Forestry and Visual Arts at the Australian National University in Canberra, which included a 12 month international exchange at Oregon State University.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Weyerhaeuser Aurora Nursery Amazes Fellows with Production
In well organized, machine-like precision, 160 contractors rapidly processed newly lifted seedlings for shipping at Weyerhaeuser’s Aurora Forest Nursery. With only 11 permanent staff members, and a large crew of seasonal labor, the nursery produces 28 million seedlings for reforestation and Christmas tree stock.
About half of the seedlings are used on Weyerhaeuser’s lands and the rest are available to the public, in quantities of one to one million. Many are grown under contract, with provided seed, or using Weyerhaeuser’s improved seed. Thirty-five different species are grown on the 190 acre site, which was one of Oregon’s original homesteads in the 1850s.
Generally, lifting seedlings begins in December, but with Oregon’s unusually cold winter, nursery activities were delayed six weeks. Manager Mark Triebwasser was confident that all orders would be filled, although it means long hours and few days off for staff. The intense schedule doesn’t deter Mark from enjoying his job: he has worked for Weyerhaeuser nearly thirty years and was still smiling as he explained the production process to Fellows.
About half of the seedlings are used on Weyerhaeuser’s lands and the rest are available to the public, in quantities of one to one million. Many are grown under contract, with provided seed, or using Weyerhaeuser’s improved seed. Thirty-five different species are grown on the 190 acre site, which was one of Oregon’s original homesteads in the 1850s.
Generally, lifting seedlings begins in December, but with Oregon’s unusually cold winter, nursery activities were delayed six weeks. Manager Mark Triebwasser was confident that all orders would be filled, although it means long hours and few days off for staff. The intense schedule doesn’t deter Mark from enjoying his job: he has worked for Weyerhaeuser nearly thirty years and was still smiling as he explained the production process to Fellows.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Strategic Planning and Interpretation Explored at Tillamook Forest
Fellows visited with managers at the Tillamook Forest Center, a forest-based learning center and outdoor classroom facility in the heart of Oregon’s coast range. The center showcases the story of the Tillamook burn, a series of wildfires that occurred in the 1930s and 1940s. The burn was followed by Oregon’s first large reforestation effort.
Of particular interest to Fellows was the planning process, which took over ten years, and the education objectives of the center. Interpretive themes were developed in the planning process, and are carried out throughout the exhibits, trails, and education programs.
“The Tillamook Forest Center tied in very well with my Fellowship aims,” said Victor Kawanga, “as it is a special place to develop a deeper connection to Oregon’s forests and has free programs for schools and community groups.” Victor will take planning and education lessons back to Zambia, where he is involved in planning similar projects.
Click on the group for more photos.
Of particular interest to Fellows was the planning process, which took over ten years, and the education objectives of the center. Interpretive themes were developed in the planning process, and are carried out throughout the exhibits, trails, and education programs.
“The Tillamook Forest Center tied in very well with my Fellowship aims,” said Victor Kawanga, “as it is a special place to develop a deeper connection to Oregon’s forests and has free programs for schools and community groups.” Victor will take planning and education lessons back to Zambia, where he is involved in planning similar projects.
Click on the group for more photos.
Monday, January 12, 2009
An extra ordinary experience
By Victor Kawanga
Just as I find it difficult to tell the difference between the donkey and a mule, the seasonal distinction between my arrival in September (before winter) and actual winter season told me little difference. It was cold any way. So what kind of weather variation would characterize winter was a big question and I laid in wait.
And so when the actual cold spell finally stumped its authority, even the pessimist had reason to follow instructions from the weatherman or woman. You see, I do not know about the way weather men and women are perceived in the United States, but in Zambia, people have a tendency to brush aside the calculated predictions. The winter storm was not only fascinating, but also luring. The best tool for learn is “venture out” and so I did. I found myself staring at a giant and illuminated tree in down town Portland. It is not the silhouette of lights it casts down that moved me, but the thought of finding out whether it was made from plastic. This interest came from no other than a five to six year child standing next to my right hand. Mum, is this plastic? Was the child’s innocent inquiry. “I do not think so, or may be”; came the answer from the parent. The answer was more confusing to the child, I later on thought. Children need direct answers just as adults do.
I was later to learn that the Christmas tree at Pioneer Square is not an assemblage of plastics. It is natural, thanks to a donation from Stimson Lumber Company. This 75 Foot Douglas Fir was grown on sustainable forests in Gaston, Oregon. And it presence there was not a hurriedly thought of issue. While we were busy attending to other chores that shape our lives, Portland City Fathers were for six months researching for which tree would be perfect to grace “Portland’s living room”.
This is the answer I would have given that exploratory mind of a child and not a mixed grill of may be it is plastic, may be not. If I had met this intelligent child the following morning, I surely would have offered to provide an accurate answer.
The tree is reportedly evergreen and eco-friendly too! I read, in one Magazine, that Globe lighting will illuminate the tree with more than 15, 000 energy efficient bulbs assuring that the square uses 91% less energy. In agreement with PDX magazine, it translates into a first truly green tree ever.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
December Snow Turns WFC into Winter Wonderland
December, usually a flurry of holiday activity and travel, slowed Portland to a crawl when the area received its largest snowstorm in forty years. Most Fellows remember Portland winters as long, gray days filled with mild weather and rain, but 2008 will be remembered as the year that buses did not run, skiers took over the streets, and stores ran low on groceries.
Fellows from cold climates were surprised at Portland’s inability to deal with the two feet of snow and ice that fell throughout two weeks in December. “Traffic was in chaos, a lot of cars were off the road, and the buses didn't go,” said Milan Mataruga, whose apartment sat at the top of a steep hill, where the city closed the street for a week. “I can’t believe that nobody can go to their jobs, groceries, hospitals or similar. I was in the apartment, and spent that time usefully, reading a book about breeding Douglas-fir.”
Other Fellows were ecstatic at the opportunity to play outside. "I have never experienced such heavy snow before, unbelievable!” exclaimed Min Zhao, who is from warm Shanghai. “The landscape around my living place was very beautiful, especially when the snow surrounded all of the conifers.” When WFC was forced to close, Min was the only one who made it in, hiking from her nearby house, and stopping to sled and play along the way. Min also led the other Fellows on a two-hour walking and busing trek to Director Sara Wu’s house for Christmas dinner.
After what seemed like a very long wait, temperatures rose and Portland returned to its usual rain, melting all signs of the ice and snow that slowed the city. This holiday season will certainly be remembered by Fellows as a special one, filled with memories of snowmen and a white Christmas.
Fellows from cold climates were surprised at Portland’s inability to deal with the two feet of snow and ice that fell throughout two weeks in December. “Traffic was in chaos, a lot of cars were off the road, and the buses didn't go,” said Milan Mataruga, whose apartment sat at the top of a steep hill, where the city closed the street for a week. “I can’t believe that nobody can go to their jobs, groceries, hospitals or similar. I was in the apartment, and spent that time usefully, reading a book about breeding Douglas-fir.”
Other Fellows were ecstatic at the opportunity to play outside. "I have never experienced such heavy snow before, unbelievable!” exclaimed Min Zhao, who is from warm Shanghai. “The landscape around my living place was very beautiful, especially when the snow surrounded all of the conifers.” When WFC was forced to close, Min was the only one who made it in, hiking from her nearby house, and stopping to sled and play along the way. Min also led the other Fellows on a two-hour walking and busing trek to Director Sara Wu’s house for Christmas dinner.
After what seemed like a very long wait, temperatures rose and Portland returned to its usual rain, melting all signs of the ice and snow that slowed the city. This holiday season will certainly be remembered by Fellows as a special one, filled with memories of snowmen and a white Christmas.
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