Wood, from sustainable Oregon forests, is one of the greenest building materials we've got. Innovations in mass timber are allowing us to create taller wood buildings, with the warmth of natural materials.

The cycle of planting trees, to managing forests, to building with wood is perpetual. Responsible forest management, along with innovations in mass timber structures, are creating new connections between Oregonians and their forests, even when they're at the office.
 

Wood, from sustainable Oregon forests, is one of the greenest building materials we've got. Innovations in mass timber are allowing us to create taller wood buildings, with the warmth of natural materials.

Noel Johnson, principal at Cairn Pacific in Portland, talks about developing mass timber work spaces to appeal to a modern workforce.

Oregon’s forests have deep meaning to almost every Oregon citizen. We value our forests for so many reasons, including recreation, clean air and water, and sustainable wood products just to name a few. To sustain these value, it takes a large and diverse group of people, working hard every day, to make sure these forest values are protected.

Oregon's forests provide us with all kinds of environmental, social and economic values, thanks in large part to the Oregon Forest Practices Act. Learn more at OregonForests.org

Oregon is great for growing trees, especially evergreens. But our forests also thrive thanks to Oregon forest practice laws that require replanting and protection of water, and fish and wildlife habitat

A collaboration between The Oregon Garden and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, The Rediscovery Forest is a dynamic demonstration forest located in the park-like environment of The Oregon Garden. This 15-acre educational forest helps students discover why Oregon's managed forests are essential to sustaining our quality of life. Students participate in programs focused on forest ecology, forest management, wildlife habitat, science inquiry, tree identification, sustainability and much more.

How does forestry work? It's probably more complicated than you think, and it take a whole team of people working together to make sure the trees grow big and healthy. But what about clean water? What about wildlife habitat? Yep, there are people out there monitoring those great things as well. A lot of people think forestry is only about loggers and park rangers, but it takes gardeners, scientists, tree planters, engineers, data mangers, and yes foresters to make it all work.

Trees serve so many uses both in the forest and out. When it was standing, a tree provides habitat for animals, offers shade to streams, and pulls carbon out of the air. As that tree is made into wood products, it not only helps builds the places we live, work and play, but it holds onto all of that carbon it captured from the air, and locks it away long term. Trees and wood products are pretty amazing.

As modern users of electronic devices, we have more excuses than ever not to get out and connect with the natural environment. But the people who's job is long-term sustainable management of those forests are out there making sure that the forest stays healthy and productive. You can see for yourself whenever you'd like to reconnect.

How does a tree absorb carbon dioxide and store that carbon as wood? It's Photosynthesis!

Anna Vesper of McGee Engineering discusses how to design and maintain forest roads to ensure the protection of water quality in Oregon's working forests.

Joe Newton from Lone Rock Resources discusses why a forest landowner uses herbicides to help establish the next generation of trees.

The Oregon Forest Resources Institute is dedicated to advancing public understanding of forests, forest management and forest products, and encouraging sustainable forestry through landowner education.