As the school year wraps up, here at the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) we are also making progress on strategic goals identified by our board of directors. One key priority is supporting forest sector workforce development — an issue that closely connects to K-12 education, while also including workforce retention, job quality and improving awareness of forestry careers.  

OFRI Executive Director Jim Paul and I recognized that addressing such a large issue would require bringing partners together to better understand existing efforts and identify opportunities for collaboration. The OFRI Workforce Summit, which took place in May, was designed as a starting point for those conversations, with a focus on sharing what is already happening in K-12 education and building momentum for future workforce discussions. 

The summit highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing Oregon’s forest sector workforce. Speakers emphasized that forestry remains a major contributor to Oregon’s economy, supporting jobs in both rural and urban communities, while also playing an important role in wildfire resilience, ecosystem services and mass timber innovation. At the same time, the sector faces workforce shortages due to retirements, difficulty filling technical and entry-level positions, and changing perceptions about forestry careers. 

A major focus of the summit was connecting young people to forestry careers through hands-on learning and industry partnerships. Programs such as Future Natural Resource Leaders, Career and Technical Education forestry and natural resource pathways, Oregon Youth Conservation Corps, internships, and career exploration events were highlighted as successful ways to expose students to opportunities in the sector. Participants emphasized the importance of mentorship, field experiences, and stronger collaboration between schools and industry to build career awareness and strengthen the future forestry workforce. 

We see this summit as the beginning of a broader effort to break down silos and move forward together. Whether through stronger partnerships, better career awareness, improved job quality, or new tools to attract and retain workers, the common thread is people — the individuals and families who make Oregon’s forest sector possible. Our forests will continue to need skilled, passionate professionals, and by investing in the next generation today, we can help ensure Oregon’s forestry workforce is strong, connected and ready for the future.

For the forest,



Rikki Heath 
Director of K-12 Education Programs

Join us on Aug. 19 in Buxton, Oregon for a one-day professional development workshop on forest products. 

Hosted by the Oregon Small Woodlands Association (OSWA) in partnership with OFRI, and the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP), this workshop is designed for middle and high school teachers interested in small scale forestry and highlighting non-timber forest products. 

Participants will learn directly from small woodland owners about how small forests provide value in multiple ways. Hands-on activities will include shiitake mushroom cultivation, nature journaling, taking tree measurements and tapping maples for syrup. You’ll also explore ways to partner with local OSWA chapters to bring place-based forestry into your classroom. 

Register with ONREP here: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops



About 200 students from 22 high schools across Oregon, as well as a few from California, participated in the 2026 Oregon Envirothon competition OFRI hosted on May 1 at The Oregon Garden in Silverton. 

During the competition, students formed 39 small teams who worked their way through a series of stations throughout The Oregon Garden, where they were tested on their knowledge of environmental sciences, including aquatic, forest and wildlife ecology; soils and land use; and a rotating current issue. This year’s current issue was nonpoint source pollution mitigation. 

“The Rogue Pack” team from Logos Public Charter School in Medford won first place, earning them the chance to compete with 25,000 high school students from the United States, Canada, China and Singapore at the NCF-Envirothon being held July 19-25 in Starkville, Mississippi. Eagle Point High School’s “Climate Crew” and Churchill High School’s “Water Fairies” came in second and third place, respectively. 

The Western Forestry and Conservation Association has announced that its logger training program is on hold until next summer.  

This multi-week program is geared toward anyone 18 years or older with a sincere interest and desire to gain skills in logging, and with a willingness to travel. This is a great opportunity to get those first few weeks of on-the-job training out of the way before hitting the needs of a high-production company. 

Reach out to Blake Manley, blake@westernforestry.org, with questions and/or to express interest in participating or supporting the program.

Sandy Invitational Chainsaw Competition

June 5-7, Sandy  

Homeschool Day at Ankeny Hill Nature Center

June 10, Jefferson 

Free to attend, but registration is required: https://beav.es/NXn 

Future Foresters Summer Day Camp at Hopkins Demonstration Forest

June 15-19, Beavercreek

Geared to youth ages 11-13. Cost is $300, scholarships are available. Registration and more information: https://pci.jotform.com/form/261276157629061 

Oregon Garden 25th Anniversary Celebration

June 29-July 3, The Oregon Garden, Silverton

ForestFest

July 18, World Forestry Center, Portland  

Teacher Workshop, Diack Ecology Education Program

Aug. 3-5, Molalla Retreat Center, Molalla 

Small Woodlands, Big Ideas: Exploring Forest Products in Oregon

Aug. 19, Buxton 

Registration: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops  

Save the Date: Home School Day at The Oregon Garden

Sept. 9, The Oregon Garden, Silverton

Save the Date: OFRI/ONREP Natural Resources Educators CTE Conference and Envirothon Training

Dec. 15-16, The Oregon Garden, Silverton 

The Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) supports the forest sector and the stewardship of natural resources by advancing Oregonians’ understanding of the social, environmental and economic benefits of our forests.

Learn more at OregonForests.org/about-ofri

For information about OFRI's educational programs, contact:

Rikki Heath

Director of K-12 Education Programs

503-799-4792

heath@ofri.org

Jenna Mendenhall

Environmental Educator

503-880-5411

mendenhall@ofri.org