On Wednesday I was enduring the hot weather like most everyone. The one place to find refuge from the heat was on the Starker Forest Tour. It was at least ten degrees cooler in the forests. This is just one of many reasons to understand the importance of our forests and the impact of trees in particular on our climate. We met at Salbasgeon Suites in Corvallis at 1 pm and proceeded to travel about 20 miles to a part of the 73,000 acres owned and managed by Starker Forests. Our Driver and Guide was well informed and provided expertise beyond what one might expect. We found out that maintaining healthy forests is essential to the future of Oregonians. Starker Forests has been in business since 1936 and is currently run by third generation Starker family. T.J. Starker began assembling acreage back in the 20's and 30's and ultimately T.J. Starker became a prominent steward of the forests in the Coastal Range in Western Oregon. If you want to make good use of about four hours of your time on any Wednesday during the summer then call and make a reservation for a tour of Starker Forest lands. It will be a learning experience and a great picture taking opportunity. Any young person would be amazed at how much they might learn about the forest in just one afternoon!
| 
