Clatsop County is 87% forestland, with a mix of public and private ownership. Though the area is rich in natural resources, many local students and families may not be aware of the career opportunities nearby.
The program strengthens outdoor education, supports workforce development and helps rural communities prepare the next generation for careers tied to Oregon’s natural resources.
Forestry remains an important part of Oregon’s economy. According to the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Oregon’s working forests supported 62,291 forest sector jobs statewide in 2023, including 1,269 in Clatsop County, according to the Oregon Forest Resources Institute. Industry leaders also point to an ongoing need to recruit new workers into the sector.
That need creates an opportunity to introduce youths to forestry, natural resources and outdoor learning early. Local forests can serve as living classrooms while helping students understand the role working forests play in the economy, environment and community life.
The Clatsop Sixth Grade Forestry Day began in 1960, when it was known as the School Forestry Tour. The original planning committee included representatives from forest industry, public schools, Oregon State College, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon Game Commission, forest owners, loggers and conservation partners.
More than six decades later, the event continues to bring students into the forest to learn from professionals working in natural resources.
The Oregon State University Extension Service Forestry and Natural Resources Program helps coordinate the event with a broad team of community partners. OSU Extension forester Dan Stark, assistant professor of practice in the OSU College of Forestry, works with local agencies, schools, businesses and volunteers to connect students with hands-on learning.
Learning in the forest
The event takes place at the Oregon Department of Forestry demonstration forest and arboretum in Astoria. Students rotate through outdoor learning stations that introduce them to forest ecosystems, natural resource management and careers.
Stations have covered topics such as tree planting, forest health, wildfire safety, wildland firefighting, fisheries, recreation, wildlife rescue, mushrooms, tree identification, wood products and tree measurement.
One popular activity, “Every Tree for Itself,” lets students role-play as trees competing for light, water and nutrients. Each student also receives a Douglas-fir seedling to take home, along with forestry and career resources from the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.
The event is designed to be engaging, practical and memorable. It helps students connect what they learn in class with real-world landscapes, tools and careers.
Expanding student reach
After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the forestry tour returned in 2022 and has continued to grow.
In 2025, 18 teachers from six Clatsop County schools brought 389 students to the 65th annual Clatsop Sixth Grade Forestry Day. Homeschooling families were again included, continuing a practice that has been in place since at least 2021.
The event is supported by a planning team of local volunteers and partners, including Astoria Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Women in Timber, Hampton Lumber, Nuveen Natural Capital, and North Coast Watershed Association, representing forestry, natural resources, education and conservation. Their continued involvement reflects a long-standing community commitment to youth education and workforce awareness and development and without whose support this event would not be possible.
Teacher feedback has been positive. Following the event’s return, teachers praised the quality of the stations, instructors, organization and student experience.
Public value
By connecting students with forests, natural resource professionals and hands-on learning, OSU Extension and its partners are helping youths better understand local career opportunities and the value of Oregon’s working forests.
The program strengthens outdoor education, supports workforce development and helps rural communities prepare the next generation for careers tied to Oregon’s natural resources.
