Strategic Planning and Interpretation Explored at Tillamook Forest

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Originally uploaded by World Forest Institute

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.

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.

December Snow Turns WFC into Winter Wonderland

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Originally uploaded by World Forest Institute

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.