EOU to host World Forest Institute reception for 2017 research fellows

EOU to host World Forest Institute reception for 2017 research fellows

News contact: University Advancement
Phone: 541-962-3740| E-mail: ua@eou.edu

Source contact: Shadia Duery | Program Manager
Phone: 541 962-3720 | E-mail: sduery@worldforestry.org

La Grande, Ore. − Advocates for sustainable forestry from around the world will be honored Wednesday, June 21 at a reception from 3-5 p.m. in Huber Auditorium, located in EOU’s Badgely Hall. The event, hosted by the World Forest Institute, will recognize the work of its 2017 research fellows as part of a tour through the region.

In the past, WFI fellows have made presentations at Oregon State University Extension offices or to small gatherings of friends as part of a weeklong visit to Eastern Oregon. This year, however, WFI offered to visit EOU’s campus, and President Tom Insko readily agreed.

“We thought it was time to invite the larger community to meet them and learn about their countries and projects,” said WFI senior fellow Rick Zenn. “EOU is the perfect partner and venue.”

This year’s eight honorees hail from Asia, central America and Europe, boasting research achievements in conservation, environmental monitoring, recreation, urban forestry, carbon markets, resource management, among others. For example, Binod Heyojoo, a forestry faculty member from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, will share his findings from a study of wildfire management in the Pacific Northwest, and wildlife biologist Hebe Carus will present research on sustainable management of public and private forestland.

The World Forest Institute (WFI), an initiative of the World Forestry Center, offers professional development and continuing education programs for foresters and other natural resources professionals. Since its inception in 1966, the Portland-based nonprofit has operated the institute, as well as a museum and demonstration forest near Sherwood, Ore.

Honorees will mingle with attendees before and after the main program, and refreshments will be available. This event is free and open to the public, but attendees must RSVP via email to sduery@worldforestry.org or phone at 503-488-2110.