The Medford School Forest is located about eight miles east of Medford on Highway 64 in the Town of Goodrich. It is situated on the south side of the road and consists of 160 acres. Location

In 1952, Harry Hurd and his wife, Mary, bought and deeded to the City of Medford an 80 acre tract of land to be used for a school forest. At the time the land was purchased, the Rhyner Tie Company of Stetsonville had cut and removed hardwood timber to an eight-inch and softwood to a six-inch diameter. The School Forest was dedicated on September 18, 1952, at 1:30 p.m. The first year of new ownership saw the planting of about 3,000 conifers (mostly white pines), the erection of the School Forest sign and the establishment of a memorial plot. 

In 1964, a pond, approximately one acre in area, was constructed with the help of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). The pond drains about 38 acres of land. The cost of the project was $2,294.63. 

In 1967, Mr. Pflughoeft of Medford donated an additional 80 acres of land adjacent to the pond. This added parcel of land gives the School Forest an L-shape when added to the original 80 acres. 

In 1971, the Green Thumb Organization began to construct an all purpose building. On May 9, 1973, the building was officially dedicated and named Dodsworth Hall in memory of Orvus Dodsworth who, for many years, was the Superintendent of Schools and an advocate for the School Forest. 

In the summer of 1973, the bell which had been located at the old Goodrich School was installed outside Dodsworth Hall.

From 1952 to 2000, there were many individuals, classes and clubs who contributed to the growth and improvement of the school forest through their projects. Picnic tables and benches were built and distributed throughout the grounds, an amphitheater by the pond, and tree identification signs along the trails.  

In 2006 and 2007, two WEEB grants helped revitalize the school forest curriculum.  Teachers created easy to use kits based on Wisconsin State Science Standards for each grade level, kindergarten through eighth grade.

In 2013 through a WEEB grant, many improvements were made to the pond to increase the health and accessibility to the pond for all age categories and abilities.  A storage shed was built; a windmill aeration system and a dock with rails were installed. A paddle boat and life jackets were also purchased and housed in the newly constructed storage shed.

The Medford School District is grateful for the work that has been done and hopes that its efforts will afford future generations the opportunity to learn in this outdoor classroom environment.