New Lockers for Volunteers a Gift from the State Forests Trust

On February 28th, staff and volunteers gathered at the Tillamook Forest Center for the annual Winter Cleaning Party, and to celebrate the installation of new lockers, a gift from the State Forests Trust.

Smiling staff and volunteers stand before the new lockers.

The Center was thoroughly cleaned, and the gift shop restocked, in preparation for their reopening slated for Wednesday, March 4th. This year marks the 20th Anniversary for the Center. Special displays, events and activities will occur throughout the year in recognition of this important milestone. The season kicks off with a new exhibit, opening April 1st, which will highlight the Center’s 20-year-history, as well as spotlighting the 75th Anniversary of the South Fork Forest Camp.

Over the last 20 years, the Center has expanded by adding an Education Pavilion and numerous outdoor attractions, as well as by expanding the exhibits inside and continually adding and evolving educational programs for students of all ages. It currently features a replica fire lookout tower, an interpretive center, a bridge that spans the Wilson River and links to the Wilson River Trail, a theater that shows programs related to the historic Tillamook Burn, and presentations surrounding the history, wildlife, and vegetation of the Tillamook State Forest.

The new lockers are a gift from the State Forests Trust of Oregon, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that exists to help connect people to the wonders of Oregon State Forests. “Investing in the Tillamook Forest Center is investing in Oregon’s future,” said Virginia Ohler of the State Forests Trust. “When visitors connect with the forest’s story of resilience, they become advocates for sustainable management of our state forest lands.”