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Discovering the Forest

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Forest ecosystems are characterized by fascinating relationships between wildlife, plants, trees, water, and air. Add human use and economies into the mix, and the dynamics at play become even more complex.

Arlandia's mature forest has been cared for by the property owners for nearly five decades. Photo courtesy of Dave Rugh.

Discovering the Forest virtual learning program

Mushrooms and lichen on log
Turkeytail mushrooms growing in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor.

In the Discovering the Forest virtual learning program, we set out to explore these interconnections and ask, how does a community forest thrive for the good of all? Our goal was to come together as a community to deepen our shared understanding of forests and what a community forest could be, helping us shape our vision for the Chimacum Ridge Community Forest.

Throughout the program, a variety of community members shared their knowledge about the plants, trees, animals, and birds that call forests home — and highlighting the ways we benefit from forests and can better steward their abundant resources for the future. Check out the videos below to see what we learned about forest health, forest management, forest benefits, the vision for a community forest on Chimacum Ridge, and the selective timber harvest at Valley View Forest.

Photo of Chimacum Ridge Forest by Tim Lawson
Chimacum Ridge Forest by Tim Lawson.

Winter 2020-21 Virtual Learning Series

The winter 2020-21 Discovering the Forest virtual learning series included four sessions and focused on:

  • forest health,
  • forest management, f
  • orest benefits, and
  • our vision for a community forest on Chimacum Ridge.
Part 1: How do we know a forest is healthy?
Part 2: How can we help forests be healthy?
Part 3: How can healthy forests help us?
Part 4: What is our vision for a community forest on Chimacum Ridge that benefits both people and forests?
Chimacum Ridge Forest
Chimacum Ridge is forested with mixed stands of mostly 40-year-old Douglas-fir, and naturally regenerated western red cedar, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce.

Fall 2021 Virtual Learning Series

The fall 2021 Discovering the Forest virtual learning series included three sessions and focused on the selective timber harvest at Valley View Forest.

Part 1: Before Harvest Virtual Learning Session – Forest Health and Tree Selection
Part 2: During Harvest Virtual Learning Session – Timber and Cedar Bark Harvesting
Part 3: Post-Harvest Virtual Learning Session – Forest Health and Community Impact

Nature Now Program Podcast

And to get an inside look at community forestry at Valley View Forest, check out this podcast from KPTZ's Nature Now program. Host Nan Evans met Jefferson Land Trust's Erik Kingfisher and Preserve Manager Carrie Clendaniel at Valley View in June to discuss how community forestry is unlocking ecological and human benefits in Jefferson County.

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