New Signs, Better Education
Over the past two years, Forests Forever has been busy adding new interpretive signs around the Hopkins Demonstration Forest. The goal has been to create a better learning experience for our casual visitors and those participating in formal education programs.
“We’ve seen significant growth in the number of hikers and walkers coming out to Hopkins,” said FFI’s Executive Director Ken Everett. “We want folks to understand and appreciate what they are walking by — the story.”
The forest has five information kiosks—covered shelters with 2 to 3 interpretive panels describing a particular area at Hopkins, like the main Entry Welcome, Uneven Age, Thinning, Pruning and Watershed areas, and 2020 Reforestation Hillside. In addition, new individual panels have been located around the Molalla Log House, Wetland Ponds, Lookout Tower, and Everett Hall. Also, all signs marking locations in the forest where trees have been harvested, thinned, and planted have been updated.
“Hopkins is an actively managed forest. That is a big part of our story. Our investment in new and updated signs enhances the education we do and keeps us looking sharp.”
Professionally designed and installed signs don’t come cheaply. Over the past two years, Forests Forever has spent more than $50,000 on 16 interpretive panels. Funding for these signs has come from grants provided by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, the Mt. Hood Territory, Clackamas County Tourism, and Travel Oregon. We thank these organizations for their continued support!