[ODF_Private_Forests] Annual Urban Forestry Conference to explore restoration of community natural areas

[WEEKS Kevin]

Oregon Department of Forestry - NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Major Media Distribution
May 1, 2012

Contact: Paul D. Ries
503.945.7391
Cynthia Orlando
503-945-7421

Urban Forestry Conference to explore restoration, enhancement of community natural areas

"Go the distance" is often the forgotten second message whispered in the 1989 film "Field of Dreams." Today, in communities all over Oregon, tracts of land are being purchased, donated, and protected not for baseball diamonds, but to offset development and to provide habitat, ecosystem services, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Can a community with limited resources actually maintain and enhance the conservation values of the land, trees, and forests over time? What tools and assistance are available to help professionals and citizens protect and manage these valuable community assets into the future?

These questions and others will be explored at the 10th annual Oregon Urban & Community Forestry Conference, 8:00 - 3:00, Thursday June 7 at Portland's World Forestry Center.

Conference theme and keynote speaker
"Community Natural Areas: Restoration, Enhancement and Management" is the theme of this year's conference, and Dr. Doug Tallamy, researcher and author of "Bringing Nature Home," is its keynote speaker. Professor and chair of the University of Delaware's Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Tallamy will discuss the important ecological roles of the plants in our landscapes, emphasize the benefits of designing landscapes with these roles in mind, and explore the consequences of failing to do so.

Other topics to be addressed by a variety of conference speakers include the prioritization of resources for conservation, forest management in Portland's natural areas, stream restoration and the use of native plants, and managing urban forests from a non-profit perspective.

The annual state urban forestry award recipients will be announced during the noon-hour.

Continuing education, exhibit opportunities
The conference location is the World Forestry Center's Miller Hall, and continuing education credits for Oregon registered landscape architects, ISA certified arborists, and SAF certified foresters will be available.

Conference organizers are seeking vendors with products or services related to urban forestry for vendor tables at the event. For more information, contact Rob Crouch: 503.823.4443 or Robert.Crouch at portlandoregon.gov<mailto:Robert.Crouch at portlandoregon.gov>

More information
For more information and to register: http://oucf2012.eventbrite.com
503.874.8263.


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