June 2018 Newsletter | Cascade Forest Conservancy

06 Jun June 2018 Newsletter

Posted at 21:25h in Newsletter by Gravitate

Protecting the Unique Environment of Mount St. Helens

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically altered the landscape of Southwest Washington in a matter of moments. A massive debris avalanche, formerly the north side of the mountain, crashed into Spirit Lake and careened down the Toutle River. The blast from the eruption destroyed ancient forests and covered the lands near the volcano in a layer of ash and pumice.

In 1982, Congress created the 110,000 acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to protect the unique research and recreation opportunities of this landscape. The heart of the Monument, and the research conducted there, is the Pumice Plain – where nothing survived the eruption.

Read the full blog here: https://cascadeforest.org/protecting-the-unique-environment-of-mount-st-helens/

CFC and Local Schools!

During April and May, we had 151 students participate in our Young Friends of the Forest program. This accounted for 862 hours contributed to two of CFC’s ongoing projects! We worked with six schools total, two of which were schools we had not previously worked with – Oliver P. Lent K-8 School (OR) and Centennial High School (OR). The other four schools – West Linn High School (OR), Stevenson High School (WA), Heritage High School (WA) and Sunnyside K-8 School (OR) – were those that we have partnered with in previous years.

On all six trips, the students collected data for the second phase of our Beaver Reintroduction Project. This phase involves investigating potential release sites that were previously identified by a spatial model created by CFC. Using a site scorecard, students made observations and ranked different environmental features along the stream of interest and the surrounding forested area. Each area was given a final score and, ultimately, those scores will be used to decide which sites are the most optimal for beaver to inhabit. The data collected by the students is integral the overall project so we cannot thank them enough for their involvement.

Centennial High School also participated in riparian planting near the confluence of Trapper Creek and Wind River. The area lacked many hardwood species that are preferred by beaver, so the 255 trees planted by the students will have a positive impact on the area and increase the possibility of beaver being released there. Stevenson High School also conducted forest health surveys where they learned about signs of tree disease, forest structure, and measuring tree diameter. The spring trips went by in a flash, but we can’t wait to bring out more students in the fall!

Our Biggest Event of the Year!

Did you know that CFC’s fall banquet on October 4th is our biggest event of the year? It’s one of the best – and certainly most fun – ways to support our work. All proceeds go to our programs that serve the forests, streams, wildlife and communities in the heart of the Cascades. This year we are fortunate to have the beautiful Miller Hall at the World Forestry Center as our venue, and tons of great deals in our auction. Elephant’s Delicatessen will be catering for us and the open bar will feature drinks from several local breweries and vineyards. Get your tickets today!

Individual tickets are $75 and a Patron level sponsorship (which includes 2 tickets) is $250. Click on the link below to RSVP.

Thursday, October 4, at 6:00 pm
World Forestry Center, Miller Hall
4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221
Business Casual attire

Click here to RSVP (https://cascadeforest.org/get-involved/2018-banquet-auction/)

Join CFC in the Field!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to do field work in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot? You’re in luck!

CFC runs a series of restoration trips each summer, where members and friends like you can get hands-on in the forest!
There is still room on several of our trips. Visit our website to sign up today!

https://cascadeforest.org/trip-signup/

A New Way to Support CFC: Buy or Sell a House!

We have two exciting new partnerships with local realtors, who are CFC members and will make a contribution to us if you buy or sell a home with them. Kellia and Tim are passionate about the outdoors and recreation — and they’re wonderful real estate agents! If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, remember that a referral from CFC will bring funding to our programs in conservation, education and advocacy.

VANCOUVER AREA- Kellia Nichols (kellia@rosere.net) NW Rose Real Estate
(http://www.roserealestategroup.com). You can work with any realtor at NW Rose Real Estate, and they will donate a portion of their commission to CFC if you buy or sell a home with them.

PORTLAND AREA – Tim Wilson (timwilson@kniperealty.com), Knipe Realty NW
Tim will make a $1,000 donation on behalf of customers referred through CFC, for each transaction that he closes.

Thank you, Tim and Kellia, for supporting our work!

Staff Comings and Goings

Welcome to Suzanne Whitney, who joins CFC as our Science and Fieldwork Coordinator, and Katie Spahn, who joins our awesome canvass team of Outreach Advocates. Both have advanced degrees in their field and look forward to promoting conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Also, good luck to Xavier Reed, who is moving on but has worked hard to bring a high level of professionalism to CFC’s canvass outreach team. Thank you Xavier!