Marion-Polk Chapter's OSWA History Initiative: "OSWA @ 65" 

Celebrating Our Past, Informing Our Future

The Marion-Polk Chapter of the Oregon Small Woodlands Association (OSWA) is proud to be leading an exciting initiative to document and celebrate the rich 65-year history of our statewide organization. What began as the "OSWA History Project" has now culminated in a significant milestone: the completion of a comprehensive draft history book!

Presenting: "OSWA @ 65: Waypoints on the Woodland Road" – A Marion-Polk Chapter Contribution

Our chapter has diligently researched and compiled "OSWA @ 65: Waypoints on the Woodland Road," a draft book chronicling the journey of OSWA from its founding in 1960 to the present day. This project aims to:

• Preserve Our Legacy: Document the key events, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped OSWA.

• Honor Our Leaders & Members: Recognize the dedicated individuals whose contributions have been pivotal to OSWA's success.

• Provide a Resource: Create an accessible historical account for current and future members, policymakers, and anyone interested in Oregon's family forestry heritage.

Current Status: The draft of "OSWA @ 65: Waypoints on the Woodland Road" is complete! It will be a key discussion item at our upcoming Marion-Polk Chapter Board Meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2025 (4:00 PM, Monmouth Public Library), where we will discuss plans for its refinement and broader sharing.

Help Us Enrich This History! Your Stories and Photos are Needed!

While the draft is substantial, a truly comprehensive history is built from many voices. We invite ALL OSWA members (from any chapter) and friends of Oregon forestry to help us make this book even better. We are seeking:

• Historical Photographs: Images of past OSWA events, field days, annual meetings, chapter activities, prominent members, or significant moments in your own woodland history that connect to OSWA.

• Personal Stories & Anecdotes: Your recollections of important OSWA events, influential figures, or how OSWA has impacted your family forestry journey.

• Corrections & Clarifications: If you spot anything in the draft that needs correction or further detail, please let us know.

• Chapter Highlights: Information or stories specific to the history and contributions of other OSWA chapters.

Our Goal: To incorporate these valuable contributions into a more comprehensive, visually engaging version of "OSWA @ 65: Waypoints on the Woodland Road," with a target for wider publication in Fall 2025.

The "OSWA @ 65" History & the 2025 OSWA Annual Conference

The Marion-Polk Chapter is thrilled to be hosting the 2025 OSWA Annual Conference in June. Our "OSWA @ 65" history book will be a central feature of this celebration. We envision it contributing to the conference theme, being part of displays, and serving as a meaningful memento for attendees. Your contributions now will directly enhance this showcase!

How to Get Involved & Share Your Contributions:

1. Review the Draft History Book: Look for the draft PDF version of the book which appears elsewhere on this web page so you can open and read the book.

2. Submit Your Materials & Feedback: By Email: Please send your photos (with captions if possible), stories, and any feedback on the draft to Dave Sullivan, Marion-Polk Chapter Secretary, at drdavesullivan@gmail.com.

3. Attend Our Chapter Board Meeting: Marion-Polk Chapter members (and interested OSWA members) are welcome to attend our board meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2025, 4:00 PM at the Monmouth Public Library, where the history book and the Elliott State Forest resolution will be discussed.

Project Contact: Dave Sullivan: drdavesullivan@gmail.com (Marion-Polk Chapter Secretary, Lead Compiler)

Thank you for helping us preserve and celebrate the remarkable legacy of the Oregon Small Woodlands Association!