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Volunteer Engagement & Education
PROVIDING UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT THE NATURAL WORLD & MAKE A LASTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Restoration and Conservation Volunteers
Bringing members of the public into the forest to learn about and engage in conservation and ecology is a core component of our work to safeguard and protect Washington’s South Cascades. The volunteers who generously donate their time are an essential part of our direct conservation efforts.
In fact, many of our projects would be impossible without the help of concerned citizens dedicated to caring for their region. Data collected by volunteers informs all aspects of our work, from forest policy positions to prioritizing restoration strategies. Anyone, no matter how familiar they are with ecology and conservation, can make a lasting positive difference for the forest as a volunteer with CFC.
Young Friends of the Forest
Young Friends of the Forest is a partnership between the Cascade Forest Conservancy and local schools. The partnership offers unique field science opportunities for middle school and high school students. The program provides students with a unique learning experience that aligns with and enhances their school curriculum. The projects that the students take part in are directly related to forest management, and the data they collect is used to help prioritize and design real restoration efforts in the national forest. Our goals are to connect young people to the outdoors, to teach forest and aquatic ecology, and to mentor and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
We have worked with schools from Portland, OR, Oregon City, OR, Vancouver, WA, Stevenson, WA, and Camas, WA. In 2019, we brought 250 students out to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest where they surveyed for beaver habitat and planted hundreds of trees. Young Friends trips are currently on hold.
“CFC’s citizen science volunteer programs have offered me a place to not only meet people, but to find meaning and joy while helping others and giving back to the place I’ve grown up in. Their programs also create unique, positive spaces for me and others to come together from our diverse backgrounds, age groups, experiences, professions, and cultures.”
Tina Eckton
CFC Volunteer
the work of volunteers is essential to our mission
We are so grateful for our community of volunteers for the contributions they make to conservation efforts in Washington’s southern Cascades. Participating in volunteer opportunities offered by CFC is a great way to discover and learn about new corners of the forest, meet like-minded people who share a passion for the outdoors and environmental stewardship, all while making important and lasting contributions to scientific knowledge and restoration projects.
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Native conifers and hardwoods planted in stream-side restoration project areas by volunteers since 2017
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Motion-activated wildlife cameras set across remote areas of the forest by volunteers in our ongoing study to model occupancy of martens and reintroduced fishers
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Hours donated by volunteers to help advance conservation causes in the heart of the Cascades in the last five years
SPEAK UP FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Since 1985, Cascade Forest Conservancy has been your voice speaking for the areas in and around the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington. Join the 12,000 other members who support Cascade Forest Conservancy and are making a difference now.