Tree Farm Tours

The Marion-Polk Chapter of the Oregon Small Woodlands Association (OSWA) warmly invites you to explore the diverse and vibrant woodlands of our region through our organized tours. Our tours provide a unique opportunity for small woodland owners, enthusiasts, and community members to come together, share knowledge, and foster a deeper connection with Oregon's natural heritage.

About Our Tours

We host about ten tours each year. Our tours are designed to:

• Educate: Learn about sustainable forestry practices, innovative management techniques, and the latest developments in woodland stewardship.

• Engage: Connect with fellow OSWA members, industry professionals, and experts in the field.

• Inspire: Discover new ideas and approaches to managing your own woodland properties.

• Explore: Visit a variety of sites, including tree farms, nurseries, sawmills, conservation projects, and more.

Whether you're an experienced woodland owner or new to the community, our tours offer valuable insights and firsthand experiences that can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of woodland management.

Why Participate?

• Hands-On Learning: See practical applications of forestry techniques in real-world settings.

• Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with peers who share your passion for woodlands.

• Access to Experts: Engage with knowledgeable professionals who can answer your questions and provide guidance.

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and issues affecting small woodland owners in Oregon.

Upcoming Tours

We typically host one tour a month. The best place to learn about upcoming tours is through our Newsletters page, where we share the latest details and sign-up instructions. While you do not need to be an OSWA member to attend most tours, non-members will often hear about the many benefits of joining OSWA.

Sign-up procedures vary depending on the tour, so please read the relevant newsletter carefully for details.

Past Tours 

Brooks Tree Farm Tour (November 23, 2024): Participants gained an in-depth look at seedling production, innovative planting techniques, and nursery operations. Read the full tour report to learn more about this enlightening experience.

Documenting Our Tours

We have recently begun carefully documenting the discussions and insights shared during our tours to preserve and share the wealth of knowledge exchanged. If you are unable to attend a tour in person, this section of the Marion-Polk website will feature summaries and reports from each event, offering a way to stay informed and catch up on what you missed.

Since we just recently started documenting our tours, currently our only example is the Brooks Tree Farm Tour, which includes detailed notes on the ideas and practices discussed. However, the richness of these conversations is best experienced in person, where you can engage directly with other participants and experts.