Rooted in Respect: SFTO & POCO Cultivate the Next Generation of Nature Stewards
Rick Zenn and Pamela Slaughter talking about Oregon’s Douglas-firs with POCO’s young Guardians
Last year, SFTO partnered with People of Color Outdoors (POCO) to connect youth and families with Oregon’s state forests. Founded by Pamela Slaughter, POCO fosters inclusive outdoor experiences for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. Pamela’s own connection to the Tillamook State Forest began in middle school, when she joined classmates to help replant trees.
This summer, SFTO Trustee Rick Zenn—an internationally respected environmental educator—volunteered to lead forestry sessions for POCO’s Guardians Program, a youth program focused on building confidence, curiosity, and stewardship.
Pamela says the program transforms the way kids see the natural world and at the same time builds confidence, curiosity, and stewardship. During each week-long session kids connect with nature and each other, building friendships, respect for living things, and a sense of belonging.
"Many participants are the only BIPOC students in their class and experience isolation or bullying," says Pamela. "The program creates safe spaces where they can learn, explore, and develop outdoor skills—from identifying wildlife tracks to understanding the ecological role of a fallen elk."
Many arrive hesitant, but soon they’re identifying animal tracks, recognizing plants, and explaining why a harmless insect should be left alone. They gain confidence by delving into what interests them and sharing that knowledge with others.
Rick believes these experiences are critical. "It's a big deal that the Trust was invited to participate in the program." says Rick. “It’s important that the youth physically get out into natural spaces. Real experiences can’t be replaced by watching a video." He sees the partnership as tangible, meaningful work that opens doors to forestry and the outdoors while strengthening communities. "Many families face real barriers to natural areas so programs like this enable youth to focus their connection and knowledge about nature to what is in front of them.” Pamela says,
“The Guardians’ interest in trees has exploded since they spent time with Rick.” Following time with him, youth easily identified over a dozen different tree species in Portland's historic Columbia Park with hands on study of leaves, bark, flowers, and seeds--including very rare Willow Oak listed on the Portland Heritage Trees register.
This fall, POCO plans to return to the Tillamook Forest Center, continuing to grow a community rooted in nature, respect, and shared discovery.
Show Us Your #OregonForestsFun!
From ridge-top views to creek side adventures, Oregon’s state forests offer endless opportunities to explore, enjoy, and connect with nature. Now’s your chance to share those moments — and maybe win some prizes along the way!
The*#OregonForestsFun Photo Contest celebrates the many ways people experience and care for our five state forests: Clatsop, Tillamook, Santiam, Gilchrist, and Sun Pass. Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking, fishing, foraging, volunteering, or simply relaxing under the trees, we want to see how you make these special places part of your life.
Prizes Perks:
🏆 Outdoor-themed prizes for top entries
🎉 A chance to be featured on our social channels
🌲 Inspire others to explore and care for Oregon’s forests
The contest runs August 1 – September 1 — so grab your camera and get out there! Your photo could be the one that inspires someone else’s next adventure.
Meet Lorena Johnson
Seasonal recreation staff in ODF's Recreation, Education, and Interpretation (REI) Program play a vital role in assuring Oregon state forests are a welcoming and safe place to explore and enjoy. They bring extensive experience and a passion for life outdoors. Meet Lorena, a seasonal Recreation Technician for the REI Program, based out the Tillamook District Office.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you get a free day to enjoy the forest?
When I get the opportunity, I like to simply slowing down and really get to know the forest! This means taking my identification field guides for a walk and taking the time to stop, observe, and identify species I’m unfamiliar with. It's inspiring to continuously learn about the ecological foundation we live and work in everyday. Sometimes I’ll bring a sketchbook and try my hand at nature illustration—though I think I’ll leave the masterpieces to the pros.
What's the favorite thing you and your family like to do together for fun?
I'm incredibly grateful that my favorite thing to do with my family is not far from what I do for work. Typically, you can find us hiking moderately challenging trails, fishing all the secret hot spots, and camping during what many would consider the 'off season'. Winter camping allows for access to the BEST sites, the ones that are usually very popular in the summer. When we are not recreating, we love to make meals together, watch movies, and play with our two cats, Bubba and Jax.
What’s the most unexpected or funny thing you’ve seen while managing recreation outdoors?
It sounds crazy but I get a kick out of discovering the faces in the trees! Now, I know that sounds crazy but stay with me. Folks will hang oversized googly eyes and cardboard smiles on the most unassuming trees.
Sometimes they will even get crafty and use paper plates or brown paper bags to create full, expressive faces! It always makes me giggle when I run into them unexpectedly.
