World Forestry Center

1. World Forestry Center Programs

• What is the World Forest Institute Program?
  • One of the main programs run by The World Forestry Center is the renowned World Forest Institute Program.
  • This program involves hosting both public and private forest professionals from all over the world with the aim of promoting knowledge exchange and advancing research.
• What is the mission of The World Forestry Center?
  • The mission of The World Forestry Center is to inform, inspire, and educate the public about the world’s forests and trees.
  • The center emphasizes the important role forests play in daily life to promote a balanced and sustainable future for all.
• How does The World Forestry Center achieve its mission?
  • The center achieves this mission through three programs:
  • The Discovery Museum
  • Two hands-on working forests: Magness Memorial Tree Farm and Johnson-Swanson Tree Farm
  • The World Forest Institute
• What is another important program of The World Forestry Center?
  • Another important program of the Center is the International Fellowship Program.

2. The World Forestry Discovery Museum

• What is the World Forestry Center?
  • The World Forestry Center is home to the World Forestry Discovery Museum, which was opened in 1971 to educate the general public about local and global forests and sustainable forestry.
• Where is the World Forestry Discovery Museum located?
  • The museum is located in Portland’s beautiful Washington Park.
• What does the World Forestry Discovery Museum feature?
  • The 20,000 square foot museum features an array of exciting and informative exhibits and displays, an art gallery, and a unique tree farm.
  • These encourage visitors to become informed, educated, and inspired by the importance of forests and trees in the world today, as well as environmental sustainability.
• What educational programs does the museum offer?
  • The museum offers a range of year-round classes and workshops for students of all ages.
  • It also provides educational field trips for school groups.
• What is featured in the Art Gallery?
  • The Art Gallery features works from six local artists from Oregon whose works are inspired by trees.
  • The pieces showcase geographical, social, and historical contexts and include a variety of media such as prints, drawings, and paintings.

3. World Forestry Center: Peggy the Steam Locomotive

• What is Peggy, the Lima Shay locomotive?
  • The World Forestry Center campus has a beautifully preserved 42-ton Lima Shay geared locomotive named “Peggy” on display for visitors to explore.
  • Built in 1909 by Lima Locomotive Works, the engine spent her life working as a log hauler in the forests of Washington and Oregon for more than 50 years.
  • Peggy survived the Tillamook Burn and, after retiring, was donated to the City of Portland.
• What is the petrified Giant Sequoia stump at the World Forestry Discovery Museum?
  • The World Forestry Discovery Museum features an ancient petrified Giant Sequoia tree stump that dates back five million years and weighs close to 10,000 pounds.
  • The petrified tree stump was found in North Dakota and donated by Lew Smith of Smith Rock in Portland.
• What other petrified wood can be seen at the Discovery Museum?
  • The Discovery Museum also has an amazing collection of cut and polished petrified wood from other trees, showcasing many different ages.

4. Magness Memorial Tree Farm at the World Forestry Center

• What is the Magness Memorial Tree Farm?
  • Nestled in the Chehalem Mountains of the Willamette Valley, the Magness Memorial Tree Farm is one of two internationally recognized, hands-on demonstration forests.
  • It offers visitors an interactive and hands-on approach to environmental learning.
• What can visitors do at the Magness Memorial Tree Farm?
  • This educational project gives visitors an ideal chance to learn more about the internationally recognized demonstration forest and the outdoor education site.
  • The Memorial Site is open to the general public from dawn to dusk, year-round.
  • It features a network of hiking trails, sheltered picnic areas, forests, streams, and meadows in which to relax and enjoy.
• What is the World Forest Institute?
  • The World Forest Institute was established by the World Forestry Center in 1989 to meet a growing demand for information about forestry and environmental sustainability.
• Who founded the World Forest Institute?
  • The World Forest Institute was founded by Harry A. Merlo, a pioneer in the forest products industry.
• What was the vision behind the World Forest Institute?
  • Harry A. Merlo’s vision was to globalize the forestry sector and encourage an exchange of information on forest trade, regulation, management, and forest resources on a global scale.

5. World Forestry Center: Plan Your Visit

• Where is the World Forestry Center located?
  • The World Forestry Center is located at 4033 SW Canyon Road in Portland.
• When is the World Forestry Center open?
  • The center is open Memorial Day through Labor Day daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Can venues at the World Forestry Center be rented for events?
  • Yes, the center has several venues that can be hired for special occasions and celebrations such as weddings, workshops, corporate events, and get-togethers.
• What is the World Forest Institute International Fellowship Program?
  • The World Forest Institute offers the International Fellowship Program, which is a week-long professional development field course.
  • The program is offered to experienced leaders in research, education, strategic communication, and natural resource management who are committed to active learning and teaching about the world’s forests.
• What is the Leadership Hall of Fame at the World Forestry Center?
  • The World Forestry Center is home to the Leadership Hall of Fame, which honors the people who have made significant contributions to forestry.
  • It displays the photographs and biographies of more than 200 forestry leaders.

World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon 97221, Phone: 503-228-1367