April 1 marks the 20th anniversary of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Tillamook Forest Center (TFC). The TFC is the region’s largest forest-based learning center and outdoor classroom facility, located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest.
“The purpose of the TFC is to help build a deeper connection with Oregon’s forests through experience and exploration,” said Denise Berkshire, Director of the TFC.
Through innovative programs and hands-on exhibits in the 13,500 square-foot center, visitors can gain a greater understanding about what a forest is, how it works, and forest history. The center showcases the historic Tillamook Burn, the major event that shaped today’s forest.
“The facility exists because of a promise made to tell the story of a forest destroyed by fire and painstakingly rehabilitated through the hard work and resolve of thousands of Oregonians over decades of time,” said Berkshire. “These stories reflect our past, highlight our path to today, and inspire hope for a healthy forest future for us all.”
To mark the anniversary and to kickoff Arbor Month the TFC is hosting a Birthday Bash, April 4, complete with party games like “pin the cable on the steam donkey,” a fish release of steelhead fry raised at the center, and of course a birthday cake that is tree-themed.
While attending the Birthday Bash visitors can also view a new special exhibit that opens April 1, Reflecting on Resilience. The exhibit details the origins, construction, and history of the Tillamook Forest Center as well as reflecting on the past 75 years of history, rehabilitation, and stewardship work of the South Fork Forest Camp. The camp, just down the highway from the TFC, has been jointly operated by ODF and the Department of Corrections since 1951.
“South Fork is a significant part of the many stories of the wonder and resilience of this forest,” said Berkshire. “Their decades of stewardship have been a driving force behind the restoration and recovery of the Tillamook State Forest. The adults in custody from the camp have been, and continue to, plant trees, fight wildfires, build trails and have been essential in supporting the center. It’s an honor to celebrate our anniversaries together.”
The exhibit gives visitors behind-the-scenes looks at both locations and will feature photos and other materials never before publicly displayed.
The visitor center building that houses the exhibits is unique in many ways.
“From the beginning, the TFC was meant to be a living example of sustainable building design, construction, and operating practices with minimal environmental impact on its surroundings,” said Berkshire.
This consideration for creating a “green” building was inspired by the sustainable forest management surrounding the Tillamook Forest Center.
The center was designed for responsible water management too. The 65,000-gallon forest wetland pond near the building entry performs several key tasks: harvesting and storing rainwater for use in the fire sprinkler system and providing non-potable water for other building systems like the toilets. In addition, the pond serves as a reservoir for structural and wildland firefighters who may need water to fight fires in the surrounding region.
The award-winning building is 30 percent more energy efficient than code, with the goal of using “fossil fuel free” energy throughout. It is one of the only facilities of its size and type in North America heated by wood pellets. Pellets are made from material that was once wasted in the wood production process.
All the wood and wood products used on the site are from sustainably managed forests. This includes lumber harvested on site or elsewhere in the Tillamook State Forest, and the generous donations from many private forest landowners across Oregon. A special emphasis was placed on using natural or recycled materials throughout the project, including rock that was crushed on site and used for the roadbed and trees harvested on the site used for benches and tables. All the building framing material (2x4s through 2x12s) was grown, harvested and milled less than 30 miles from the center.
“After 20-years this building still truly reflects the forest it was built in,” said Berkshire.
More important than the building, are the group of staff members and volunteers who run the center.
“We all have a love of the forest,” said Berkshire. “We are excited to share our knowledge, but more importantly provide a connection to the forests through our exhibits, classes, tours, trails, field trips, special events and more. This is a special group of folks who want to help you start or deepen your connection to the forest.”
For more on the Tillamook Forest Center see their website.
Better yet, come out and visit the TFC, they are open Wednesday–Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the spring.
Wildfire played a huge role in a large portion of the Tillamook forest becoming a state forest. To reflect that history a huge 40-foot-tall fire lookout tower was part of the design plan and specifically built for the Tillamook Forest Center. The tower was moved into place 20 years ago and now visitors can climb to the top and learn about wildfire detection and suppression..
For 20 years the Tillamook Forest Center, through innovative programs and hands-on exhibits, has given people a greater understanding about what a forest is, how it works, and forest history. The 13,500 square-foot center showcases the historic Tillamook Burn, the major event that shaped today’s state forest.
The 250-foot suspension bridge over the Wilson River, seen here under construction, connects the Tillamook Forest Center with the Wilson River Trail System. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration visitors can walk across the bridge and release Steelhead fry into the river April 4. Check out the website for more events and times: https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org
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