Calling Forestry, Natural Resource Professionals and Environmental Educators:  Join us for an exciting week, or year, exploring sustainable forestry issues in Oregon.

Oregon forestry has a rich and varied history, and as public perspectives on the forests have changed, forest management has also evolved. Come explore the many ways in which Oregon is balancing its social, economic and environmental needs. Oregon was the first state in the U.S. to enact a Forest Practices Act, and nearly 50% of Oregon state's land area is classified as forest.  Forestry remains a vital economic sector in Oregon, second only to high-tech, and while Oregon is still the leader in US softwood lumber production other activities such as forest recreation and ecosystem services are growing in importance. Join the World Forestry Center on a week-long or year-long program as we examine the diverse ways in which people in Oregon are attempting to sustainably manage forests in a way that provides employment, protects the ecosystem, and guards our cultural values.   

The World Forestry Center (WFC) is a non-profit forestry education organization based in Portland, Oregon, USA. (www.worldforestry.org ).  We are pleased to announce two exciting professional development opportunities in the U.S. for educators and natural resource professionals.  Please visit our website or contact us for additional information. 

1)      WFI International Fellowship Program - Term: 6-12 months throughout 2012- Applications accepted year-round. 

The WFI Fellowship brings professionals in natural resources to conduct a practical research project at the World Forestry Center.  In addition to projects, Fellows participate in weekly field trips, interviews and site visits to Northwest forestry organizations, research labs, universities, public and private timberlands, trade associations, mills, and corporations.  The Fellowship is a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable forestry from the Pacific Northwest forestry sector, and to work with colleagues from around the world.  Fellowships are open to any country, including U.S. citizens. The Fellowship program offers partial scholarships through the Harry A. Merlo Foundation, but all applicants must be able to cover at least 50% of the program fee. Over 85 Fellows from 27 countries have participated to date.  Applications are accepted year-round.  For more information and how to apply, please visit:  http://wfi.worldforestry.org/index/international-fellowship.html

2)  International Educators Institute - Term: July 8-14, 2012 - Application deadline February 28, 2012. 

The International Educators Institute is an innovative forest study tour for environmental educators, natural resource managers and conservationists. Combining content-rich, hands-on experiences in the field with a multicultural exchange of best practices in education and research, IEI seeks to advance effective outreach, teaching and learning about social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world's forests. World-class scenery, special behind-the-scenes tours, and interviews with local people are combined with peer-to-peer leadership development. The course is scheduled for July 8-14, 2012 in Portland, Oregon, and the application deadline is Feb. 28, 2012.  For more information and to download application materials visit: http://wfi.worldforestry.org/index/international-fellowship/international-educators-institute.html