Events We Supported in 2025
In June, WSU Forestry Extension hosted a Field Day in Cle Elum. 185 attendees, representing 6,865 acres, learned about thinning, fire prevention, biochar, and other good forest stewardship skills. In October, a group of foresters from around the world came to western Washington to learn about how landowners here steward the land. Kevin Zobrist, a WSU Extension forester led the group gathered by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations as they met for seminars and tours. The group visited Cowlitz Ridge Tree Farm near Toledo, Washington and observed mixed species stands of varying ages.
Also in October, the Society of American Foresters hosted a weekend of learning for college students and their professors. They toured Cowlitz Ridge Tree Farm, Department of Natural Resource owned land near Winston Creek, and also forests managed by Weyerhauser.
In 2019, Jim and Tricia Murphy donated 44 acres of timberland to the Foundation. In August the board members met at the property with chainsaws and lunch. We created downed woody debris in accordance with NRCS guidelines. It was great to have Jim and Tricia be able to join us this year. If you have land you would like to donate, we will work to make it the best forest possible and use any proceeds towards the goals of the Foundation.
This year marked the tenth year of the Steven D Stinson Leadership in National Resources Scholarship. We were able to award $10,000 to the following students: Isaiah Porter-Mills at the University of Idaho, Kevin DeGraw at Grays Harbor College, Isabel Riley at the University of Idaho, Nate Scheuber at the University of Washington, and Kaden Giles at the University of Idaho. The Sherry Fox Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Ericka Caywood, a 2025 graduate of Toledo High School who will be attending the University of Washington.