In 2025, OSU Extension Forestry and Natural Resources programming in Clackamas County supported environmental literacy, forest stewardship, and community resilience through integrated youth and adult education. Programs reached approximately 4,500 youth and 1,630 adults through school- based education, 4-H and homeschool programs, public workshops, field days, and individual landowner support.

Youth forestry education was delivered primarily at Hopkins Demonstration Forest, emphasizing experiential, place- based learning aligned with educational standards and youth development goals. Programs engaged students from early childhood through high school in hands-on exploration of forest ecology, management practices, wildlife habitat, food webs, and seasonal change. Activities included forest inventory data collection, vegetation monitoring, and guided field investigations that helped students build comfort, confidence, and curiosity in outdoor learning environments. By providing structured, science-based experiences, OSU Extension strengthened environmental literacy and fostered long-term connections between youth and Clackamas County’s forest landscapes.

Hopkins Demonstration Forest is operated by Forests Forever, Inc. and serves as a key partner site where OSU Extension delivers youth and public forestry education for Clackamas County. This long-standing partnership supports consistent, high-quality programming and provides a living classroom for community engagement.

Expanding access to inclusive outdoor learning was a priority in 2025. Forests Forever, Inc. completed ADA-accessible pathway improvements around wetland ponds and forested areas near the Molalla Log House, creating safer and more inclusive learning spaces. OSU Extension integrated these improvements into youth and public programs, allowing participants with mobility limitations to fully engage in forest-based education without navigating rough terrain. These enhancements reduced barriers for schools, families, and community groups, ensuring broader access to outdoor learning opportunities.

Adult forestry education focused on helping woodland owners and land managers succeed. More than 1,600  adults participated in 115 classes and workshops, including Tree School Clackamas, Tree School Field Day, and seasonal field programs. Topics included tree planting, thinning, weed management, tree health, forest resilience, and more. In addition, OSU Extension provided approximately 420 individual consultations by phone, online, and in person, addressing concerns such as tree decline and mortality related to drought, heat, insects, and disease.

Together, youth education, public programming, accessibility improvements, and landowner support reflect OSU Extension’s integrated approach to forestry and natural resources education—connecting science, stewardship, and community needs across Clackamas County