Fire has shaped the forests of the Pacific Northwest since time immemorial — and it’s here to stay. But decades of fire suppression, the prohibition of Indigenous burning practices, and a hotter, drier climate have made wildfires more severe and unpredictable. For landowners and communities across the region — especially those living in the Wildland […]
Reading the Signs: How to Spot Wildlife While Walking in the Woods
In our February article, we explored how trail cameras can give us a peek into the lives of the animals that roam our forests. But what if you’re out in your woods in person—hiking, working, or just wandering? Even if you don’t spot an animal directly, the forest is full of clues that tell stories […]
Lessons in Root Rot: Turning Challenge into Opportunity
Root rot wasn’t on Paul Butler’s radar when he first began managing his forest near Olympia–but that changed in 2017 when he bought the 40-acre parcel next door. Almost immediately, Paul noticed some trouble. Two Douglas-firs along the property line, which had previously been healthy, started to decline. He soon discovered that several parts of […]
NNRG Leads Development of Luxury High-Rise “Condos” Outside Yelm, WA
In a move to address the rural housing shortage, NNRG is proud to announce its latest venture: a luxury high-rise condominium development just outside Yelm, Washington. Unlike typical multi-family housing, this project prioritizes sustainability, nature immersion, and avant-garde design. The Canopy Club at Yelm Woods will be a luxury high-rise community catering to a discerning clientele […]
Thinning Today to Create Value Tomorrow
At NNRG, we often discuss the importance of thinning to maintain forest health and productivity, as we did here — but in addition to these benefits, thinning can play a key role in increasing long-term timber revenue. In this article, we will explore the economic considerations of thinning. To shed light on when to thin, […]
Special Message Regarding USDA Funding for Small Woodland Owners
From Kirk Hanson, Director of Forestry Update: Thanks in part to the outcry from farmers and woodland owners, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced on Feb. 20 that the USDA will stand by its commitment to landowners whose projects in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) were funded by the Inflation […]
Stewarding the Forest with Empathy: Tim’s Journey in Wildlife Conservation
For Tim Schomberg, the forest has always been a place of deep connection. Growing up, he spent much of his time outdoors—logging, hiking, and learning from the woods. In his early life, he developed an appreciation of the beauty and complexity of old-growth forests. In a transformative experience, he lived for a short time with a […]
Rediscovering the Forest Through The Lens of a Trail Camera
Have you ever walked through your woods and wondered what the wildlife gets up to when you’re not around? Maybe you’ve spotted unfamiliar tracks or heard rustling in the brush, leaving you curious about the critters that share your forest. For Lorna Smith and Carl Nelson, that curiosity led them to set up trail cameras […]
Winter & Spring 2025 Washington and Oregon Native Plant Sales
The Winter Wet Season In The Pacific Northwest Is An Ideal Time To Plant Young Trees And Native Shrubs! Planting native trees and shrubs enhances forest biodiversity by providing habitat for wildlife and forage for pollinators. It’s also a great way connect to the land and increase your aesthetic and recreational appreciation for the forest. […]
New Year, New Staff
NNRG welcomes 2025 with two new staff members As we welcome the new year, NNRG is also welcoming two new staff members who you may see out in the field – Forester Barrett Gray and Program Coordinator Lauren McCaskill. We’re excited to have them onboard! We checked in with both to get the inside scoop […]
2024 Book Recommendations
We asked the NNRG staff and board — notorious for thinking about forests as much off-the-clock as on — for the best forestry, nature, PNW, and environment-related books they read this year. The resulting list has some real gems! Scroll down to read the whole list. A Forest of Your Own Author: Kirk Hanson and Seth […]
Cozy Cabins – Built From the Land
In recent years, the Pacific Northwest has witnessed a rise in eco-conscious, self-built vacation rentals driven by travelers’ growing desire for unique, nature-immersed escapes. Many of these properties are built with locally sourced, renewable materials, reflecting the owners’ connection to the surrounding landscape. Heartland Treehouse in Langlois, Oregon, and Blueberry Hill Hideaway in Springfield, Oregon, […]
Watch a restoration thinning on our director of forestry’s property
Applied Ecology Films recently captured a restoration thinning on Director of Forestry, Kirk Hanson’s property. A glimpse into one of our recent Forestry Restoration Projects in partnership with Hanson Forests and landowner Kirk Hanson (Director of Forestry for NNRG). This structural renovation focused on improving ecosystem health through prescription thinning focused on structural and compositional […]
Listen to Kirk on Exploring Washington’s podcast
Growing Trees, Growing Futures: Ecological Forestry In this episode of Exploring Washington State, Kirk discusses the differences between sustainable forestry and traditional industrial methods. Industrial forestry often relies on clear-cutting, which can damage the environment, deplete biodiversity, and degrade soil quality. Instead, Kirk advocates for perpetual thinning, a practice that selectively removes weaker trees to promote […]
Understanding Soils: Resources for Small Forest Landowners
As a small forest landowner, understanding the relationship between soil types and vegetation is crucial for successful land management. The adage “right tree in the right location” highlights how the soil type directly influences what trees can thrive on your property. Soil is the foundation of any forest ecosystem, providing essential nutrients, water retention, and […]
NNRG Intern Highlight: Assessing the Impacts of Down Wood in Puget Sound Douglas fir EcosystemsLiving Dead Forests
Article by Forrest Becker – This research was conducted as part of the requirements for a Master of Arts in Climate Change and Global Sustainability at SIT Graduate Institute, USA. The grounded logs and branches from fallen trees play a crucial role in the Pacific Northwest’s forest ecosystems. Sometimes mistaken for a negative waste product, […]
NNRG Partners with Foster High School for Innovative Forestry Certificate Program
Written by Laura Linn, NNRG Program Manager This spring, we launched an new forestry curriculum for high school students in partnership with Foster High School in Tukwila, thanks to the generous support of the Russell Family Foundation. As the new program manager, I was excited to return to my roots in education and outreach, and […]
Member Highlight – Advice from Butler Family Forest on Cost-Share Programs
NNRG FSC member Paul Butler’s story is a testament to the benefits of leveraging cost-share programs for forest management. He took a break from installing plant protectors to share his advice and knowledge. Paul owns an 80-acre forest in Thurston County, where he has enhanced his land and deepened his commitment to forest stewardship. Beginnings […]
Maximizing Your Forest’s Potential – A Guide To Financial Assistance for Small Forest Owners
Managing a forest can be both rewarding and challenging, particularly for small private forest owners. Various federal, state, and county cost-share programs are available to support sustainable forest management activities. These programs are designed to offset the costs of management activities and typically work as a reimbursement model – meaning that you get paid the […]
Explore FSC Certified Forests in King County and Beyond
King County Parks and Recreation manages six sites under NNRG’s FSC group certificate, combining forest health initiatives with public recreation. These forests offer a range of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and picnicking. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification is a voluntary, market-driven system that ensures wood products come from responsibly managed forests. […]