1999 - an Eventful Year At Hopkins Memorial Tree Farm

It's been an eventful and busy 1999 at the Hopkins Memorial Tree Farm. Thanks to many contributions of time and money by Forests Forever, Inc. members, friends and volunteers, we've been able to make great strides toward many of our goals and produce some fantastic results. We're proud to share some of those highlights with you in this newsletter.

In one of the most significant accomplishments, FFI took a major step by completing the purchase of the neighboring Post property on South Brockway Road. The adjoining 20-acre property and home was available after the death of Norm Post last year. Since the road easement on the Post property provided the only access to the Hopkins Memorial Tree Farm, the FFI board felt is was very important that the access be maintained. Purchasing the property was the only way to assure that. While we never envisioned FFI getting into land acquisitions, we saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The purchase of the property gives us security and access. A "life estate" was negotiated with the Post family to allow for Norm's widow, Nita, to continue living on the property.

During the first half of 1999, a number of key projects at Hopkins were completed including the new classroom, pole building and well. Additionally, students with Owen Sabin Skills Center Forestry Program of the North Clackamas School District, also completed a number of other projects and enhancements.

The conversion of the old pole building into a classroom was a major addition to the tree farm. The new educational facility complements the fine outdoor experience to make Hopkins an even more attractive place for students and adults alike. The classroom was dedicated "Hopkins Hall" during a special ceremony and open house at the tree farm on July 31. The classroom was appropriately named after Margaret Hopkins, who continues to be a major financial supporter of FFI and an inspiration to everyone. The new 48' x 36' pole building, located just off the western edge of the parking lot, was also completed in concurrence with the new classroom. The new pole building has added valuable space and storage to meet the growing needs of Hopkins. The construction of the new pole building allowed us to convert the old building into the classroom.

Another major structural addition to Hopkins was a new well, which will supply a fresh water source for the first time. The well is located near the Cedar Grove Shelter and has an old-fashioned hand pump.

While the structural additions have us all excited, there have been more changes that will allow us to better meet the needs of students and adults who want to visit Hopkins. A group of tour guides are now available to host tours at Hopkins. These volunteers will help FFI accommodate more groups who visit the tree farm. Gilbert Shibley, a Master Woodland Manager from Estacada and an Oregon State University Extension Forestry Program Assistant, organized training for all the volunteer tour guides. Gilbert will serve as the clearing house for tour requests. If interested in a tour, please give Gilbert a call at 503-630-6123.

The other major accomplishment of 1999 has been the success of our FFI membership drive. Our drive has reached to almost 50 members accounting for almost $4,000 in membership dues. It's the first time that FFI established an annual membership campaign and we are extremely excited about its potential. There is still plenty of time to become a member and we encourage you to contact us at 503-655-5524 for more information. Please don't miss out on this great opportunity to join FFI. We invite you to visit Hopkins to view the many enhancements to the property. Thank you to all our contributors for making 1999 a special year!

Editor's Note: Lou Torres is on the Board of Directors and the Editor of the Grouse Hollow News, the newsletter for Forests Forever, Inc., a not-for profit corporation that owns and manages Hopkins Memorial Tree Farm.

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