The National Forest Service is dedicated to preserving and
promoting biodiversity. Especially important to those of us who have traipsed
through Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge or Mt. Hood National Forest, outdoor
enthusiasts alike find refuge and solace in these trails and trees.
Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy the comfort the Forest
brings. Forest ecosystems rely on a complex web of relationships – and one of
those relationships is with us.
The Columbia River National Forest covers 292,500 acres!
Evergreens are a natural commodity in these parts. They grow effortlessly due
to Oregon’s perfect mild and wet climate.
Biodiversity can be protected by the simple efforts made
by local volunteers. Each
year volunteers are responsible for helping maintain trails, taking action to restore
damage that may have occurred to local watersheds, monitoring the health of
local wildlife populations, responding to emergencies, and providing education.
Volunteers come from a variety of places including the colleges and
universities that so many of us enthusiastically support. Volunteers with a
wide variety of knowledge are needed. Everyone has something to offer.
Take
action by finding a local group who supports the diversity in our Forests.
Students can check out what resources are available on campus and those who
aren’t tied to a group can find important contacts at the National Forest
Service website for their region. Protecting our Forest’s are important to both
the animal and plant life in them as well as to our relationship to this
ecosystem. Find a way to give back to biodiversity!
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