Hopkins Demonstration Forest, a 140-acre demonstration forest located in rural Clackamas County south of Oregon City, is continuing its monthly tradition of Community Forestry Days this year.
The days occur on the second Saturday of each month and have been ongoing for more than 30 years. According to Hopkins Forest Educator Peter Matzka, the events host about 200 to 300 volunteers each year, who provide hundreds of hours of service for the forest and its facilities.
“I can’t believe the amount of work our volunteers get accomplished,” Matska said. “We use these CFDs as real hands-on learning opportunities for volunteers to get practical and guided experience.
“And, people have fun learning from each other, doing something very positive, and knowing they are making a difference.”
Matzka works for the Oregon State University Extension Service in Clackamas County through a cooperative agreement with Forests Forever, Inc. — the non-rofit organization that owns and manages Hopkins Forest.
The January Hopkins Community Forestry Day attracted more than 50 scouts from two groups working on an Eagle Scout project and helping with winter storm damage by clearing roads and trails and removing limbs and debris.
And last month’s event included another 50 volunteers continuing with storm damage clean-up, harvesting maple sap for making syrup and learning how to plant trees in a recent timber harvest area.
The next Community Forestry Day will be Saturday, March 11. Work begins at 8:30 a.m. and typically wraps by 2:30 p.m. Lunch is provided for those who RSVP. Call the OSU Extension office in Oregon City at 503-655-8631 for information and to reserve your spot. All are welcome.
