As a host of numerous tours, a regular presenter of the annual log price update, a long-time member of BSWA, and an active participant in Oregon forest policy development, Van has made a tangible difference and been a positive influence on a measurable scale.
Greg Palmer: 2021 Benton Small Woodlands Outstanding Chapter Volunteer
The Benton Small Woodlands Association thanks Greg for his many hours of service and congratulates him on this recognition.
BSWA Annual Birds of the Forest Walk – May 2022
By Mike Unger & Dave Ehlers Joel Geier, Mike Unger and Tree Farmer Dave Ehlers led a bird walk at the J2E Tree Farm located along the Luckiamute River across the valley from Fort Hoskins. We were joined by 13 other birdwatchers including a few new birders. We walked a total of 1.1 miles around […]
BSWA Annual Flower Walk – April 2022
by Mike Albrecht On April 2nd a group of 16 participants and two leaders (thank you, Jody Einerson, for assisting with this event!) took a leisurely “meandering” walk in Peavy Arboretum to check out the spring wildflowers. The weather was mild and there was no rain. We followed the trail from the parking lot, up […]
2022 BSW Virtual Annual Meeting January 20, 2022
The ZOOM meeting started at 6pm: Chapter Business (reports, elections, 2021 program reviews, etc.) Rick Zenn (OSWA Executive Director) presented the OSWA update and legislative spotlights KEYNOTE Presentation was given by Joan Hagar, PhD. (OSU 2004) From Environmentalist to Forest Ecologist: Lessons learned from a career studying forest birdsJoan Hagar is a Research Wildlife Biologist […]
Kraus Family Tree Farm Tour Report
Kraus Family Tree Farm Oct 16th Mini-Tour by Rita Adams With a warming fire provided by Van Decker, owners Rita Adams, Beverly Crabtree and John Krause welcomed 20 fellow tree farmers to their tree farm. Harold and Betty Krause spent over 40 years logging and thinning. Removing over 1700MBF on their 40 acre tree farm. […]
Crestmont Farm Family 2021 BCSW TFOY Report
(Article and photos provided by David Hibbs) Crestmont Farm Family and Ed Easterling have done incredible things with this property. The property is divided into 3 units, each with different management plans. The first management unit focuses on commercial timber production with some thoughtful consideration of diversity and habitat improvement. The second unit is managed […]
Mini-Tour Report April Castle Family Forest
On July 24th, the Benton County chapter of the Small Woodlands Association held its annual picnic at the Castle Family Forest. The approximately 35 picnickers mingled, ate, and paid rapt attention when member Van Decker recounted the history of the 20 acre forest donated to the Philomath Community Foundation by Emery Castle and his daughter, […]
Mini-tour report: Girl Scout Camp Tour Managing for Recreation and Production
Trout Mountain Forestry is managing the forest for long term financial support of the camp as well as aesthetics.
Mini-Tour Report: May Birdwalk Tour
We identified 43 different birds and learned a lot about some of them.