Our History
World Forestry Center was established in 1966 as a non-profit educational organization with roots dating back to the 1905 Lewis & Clark Exposition.
World's Largest Log Cabin
Located in Portland, Oregon, USA, the roots of World Forestry Center date back to the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition in which a massive log structure was built to house the Forestry Building.
This giant “log cabin” was constructed with whole diameter logs on the scale of the Parthenon in Greece and served as a showcase of the timber industry until it was lost in a fire in 1964.
From the Ashes...
A Global Focus
In 1981, Merlo Hall was added to the campus to make room for the new International Fellowship Program. Merlo now serves as the organization’s administrative offices.
In 1989, in recognition that forestry is a global business, the organization changed its name from Western Forestry Center to World Forestry Center.
Celebrating 60 Years
In 2026, World Forestry Center is celebrating 60 years at the intersection of forests and people.
World Forestry Center is rooted in our legacy, shaped by changing forests and culture, and rising to meet the moment our society needs.
As we mark our 60th anniversary, we honor the growth rings that tell our story and commit to the next era of impact for forests and people alike.
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